**Sherry M. Smith Obituary – Deere & Company Mourns Former SuperValu CFO and Respected Board Member**

Sherry M. Smith Obituary – Deere & Company Mourns Former SuperValu CFO and Respected Board Member

Sherry M. Smith, former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SuperValu Inc., and renowned board member for Deere & Company and other major firms, passed away recently at an age that placed her in her early sixties. Her passing is met with deep sorrow by colleagues, friends, and the broader business community.

📈 A Trailblazing Career in Finance

Sherry built a remarkable career in financial leadership and corporate governance:

• SuperValu Inc. (1987–2013): Over a 25-year tenure, she rose from the ranks—serving as Treasurer, Corporate Controller, Senior Vice President of Finance, before becoming EVP and CFO in December 2010, a position she held until August 2013 . During her leadership, she oversaw major acquisitions and strategic transformations for the $35 billion grocery and retail chaing.

• Professional Credentials: A certified public accountant and graduate of St. Cloud State University (B.S. in Accounting), Sherry began her career at McGladrey & Pullen LLP, honing her expertise in audit and finance

🏛️ Distinguished Board Service

Following her executive tenure, Sherry continued to influence major corporations:

• Deere & Company: Joined the board in December 2011 and served on its audit review and pension oversight committees, helping guide the global agricultural and heavy machinery leader

• Anywhere Real Estate & Piper Sandler: As an independent director, she contributed significant financial oversight, especially in audit and compensation governance

• Realogy & Tuesday Morning: Appointed to Realogy’s board in 2014 as a financial audit expert, and served on Tuesday Morning’s board and audit committee .

Also recognized by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), she earned distinctions including Board Leadership Fellow and Directorship 100 honoree

🎯 Impact and Legacy

Sherry was widely respected for her:

• Strategic acumen: Navigating complex transformations and acquisition strategies.

• Financial integrity: Bringing consistent discipline and oversight to multi-billion-dollar organizations.

• Mentorship ethic: Guiding many emerging finance professionals and board members.

• Community contribution: Serving on the St. Cloud State University Foundation and contributing to educational and nonprofit oversight.

💐 Remembering Sherry

Sherry M. Smith’s passing is an immense loss to the finance and corporate governance fields. Her quiet leadership, thoughtful stewardship, and passion for excellence set a standard for integrity and service.

She is survived by her extended family, countless colleagues across major corporations, and scores of mentees who will carry forward her dedication to principled leadership.

A celebration of Sherry’s life and contributions will be arranged by her family and close professional peers.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Sherry’s journey—from a CPA and audited at McGladrey, to CFO of a major national company, to board director of global firms—was marked by excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public trust. Her legacy continues through the many institutions she strengthened and the professionals she inspired.

May she rest in peace, her impact remembered through every corner of finance and governance she