Hello St. Louis,

My name is Michelle Sherod, and I am running to be your next Alderwoman of the 17th Ward.

St. Louis is my home; and, like you, I want our hometown to be a safe, healthy and prosperous place for my family and yours. With everything that is going on in our city and across the globe, I believe that experience matters now more than ever. To guide our city through these current troubled times into a brighter future will require strong leadership from an Alderperson who can serve with heart, with knowledge and with vision.

I’m running because I care – I care about helping you, your family and our community realize our full potential. And as a proud St. Louisan, I am concerned about the issues in our community that demand action: reducing crime; spurring jobs and economic growth with equity at the forefront; and fighting for increased transparency and accountability with regard to our city’s budget.

I have spent my entire adult life fighting for these issues as a public servant, a small business owner, and nonprofit leader. After putting myself through undergraduate and law school and after earning my license as a Certified Public Accountant, I became Missouri’s first African-American Deputy State Auditor under Claire McCaskill to help ensure that your tax dollars were spent fairly and wisely.

I took the principles of accountability I learned in state government with me when I continued my public service career as St. Louis Regional Director under Claire’s U.S. Senate term. While there, I learned of the federal resources available to communities like ours; and I worked hard every day to make those resources count in our community’s fight for improved economic growth, neighborhood safety, healthcare, and caring for veterans.

After several years, I left federal service to care for my ailing mother and father-in-law. While at home, I used my background in legal and accounting work to start a consulting firm focused on private companies and governmental entities while also serving as Claire’s campaign treasurer. In addition, I continued my commitment to community service by volunteering at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation where I currently serve as the President of the Board of Directors.

Though I am deeply grateful for every opportunity and success I’ve enjoyed, I can tell you that my path in life hasn’t been without heartache and setback. I was raised by a widowed mother, alongside my six brothers and sisters; I struggled to put myself through undergraduate and law school; and I’ve cared for my mom and father-in-law in our home until they passed. These experiences have me made me stronger, more resilient and more compassionate. They also taught me the incredible power in caring about others. We can overcome and achieve more than we ever thought possible when we come together, united by shared circumstances and shared goals.

All together, my personal and professional journeys have prepared me well for the responsibility of holding elected office; and I am ready to serve. That’s why I humbly ask for your support. If you want an experienced, dedicated and driven leader with a compassionate heart and proven record of getting things done for you and our great city, then the choice is clear.

Vote for me, Michelle Sherod, for Alderwoman of the 17th Ward on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

Sincerely,

Obituary for Ronald Garland Sherod:

The Legacy of a Trailblazer

September 1947 – December 2019

Ronald Garland Sherod lived his life as a Trailblazer. His accomplishments and contributions are many. He broke many barriers and was a pioneer who did not boast or brag, nor settle for mediocrity. He leaves a remarkable legacy as an attorney, a businessman, community advocate, and a man who accomplished many “firsts.” With a quiet grace and dignity, he paved the way for others to follow.

Ronald Sherod was born on September 14, 1947, in Saint Louis, Missouri to the late John and Jean E. (Newsome) Mosby. In his early teens, he was adopted by his stepfather, John Sherod. Ron was baptized in late 1950s, received his first communion at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church and served as an altar boy. He transferred his membership in 1983 to Chapel of The Cross Lutheran Church, where he remained until his Heavenly transition.

Ron had two children. He married Michelle Thornton-Thompson on May 25, 2002.

Ron received his early education in the Saint Louis Public Schools until the family relocated in the early 1960s to Hazelwood, Missouri, where he integrated the Hazelwood School District and was the first African-American to graduate from Hazelwood High School. Ron earned a B.S. in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor, all from Washington University in Saint Louis. Ron completed a three-year law degree and a two-year MBA simultaneously in four years. Ironically, he passed the Missouri Bar exam and was licensed to practice law prior to graduating from law school.

Ron had a distinguished professional career. Early in his career, he worked in the finance industry. Initially working for Goldman Sachs and later for First National Bank of Saint Louis, he switched focus and practiced law with the firm of Attorney Frankie Freeman. He later became the first and only African-American to head the Saint Louis Public Defender’s office. Ron was able to finally combine his passion and love for the law and his love for finance when he joined A.G. Edwards and Sons (later named Wells Fargo). He developed a national reputation as a “Deal Closer” as he climbed the ranks and eventually headed the entire unit as Senior Vice President and Director of the Affluent Client Planning and Key Client Solutions Group. Retiring in 2015, he later became General Counsel at ALL Solutions, Inc., a firm owned and operated by his wife, Michelle.

Ron was an active member of the Saint Louis Community. His most favored causes were in the field of education. He served on the Alumni Advisory Committee of the Washington University School of Law. Early in his career, he served as Administrator for the Citizens Committee on Saint Louis School Integration. Later, he was an officer and active member of the Black Alumni Association of Washington University, where he served on the Board of Trustees.

Ron supported many charitable organizations, including the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation and United Way. Ron was the Patriarch of the Sherod family. He was always willing to help family and friends solve problems and issues. A trusted counselor, his advice was always sound and practical.

Ron passed on December 16, 2019. His guidance, keen intellect and wisdom will be greatly missed.