Sharon Bemis is the managing director of the Election Integrity Network, a project of the Virginia Institute for Public Policy. Sharon brings a wealth of experience in managing complex electoral integrity projects, collaborating with grassroots organizations, leading teams of volunteers, and legislative advocacy.
With a robust background in both political and financial arenas, Sharon has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in overseeing and implementing new operating systems, handling sensitive information with discretion, and managing multifaceted tasks under tight deadlines.
Most recently, Sharon worked as a policy analyst for the new Election Protection Project, an initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), focusing on election integrity issues in Arizona and Wisconsin. There, she successfully created and maintained comprehensive databases of election law and procedures, submitted impactful testimony, and collaborated on groundbreaking grassroots efforts that significantly influenced electoral processes in Wisconsin.
Sharon’s career began in finance and administration, with notable positions such as Department Administrator for the Office of the Controller at Harvard University and Executive Assistant to the CEO at James D. Julia, Inc. These roles honed her skills in budget management, policy documentation, and executive support.
In 2018, Sharon had the opportunity to serve her community as a Town Clerk. Sharon administered municipal, state, and federal elections in her role. Sharon accredits her time in this role with the beginning of her new career path into politics and ultimately election integrity. The skills she acquired as a Town Clerk not only set her up for a deep understanding of the challenges of an election administrator, but also created the foundation for her knowledge of election law.
During the 2020 Presidential election cycle, Sharon joined the Maine Trump Victory Team as a volunteer and the first Neighborhood Team Leader for the state. She was quickly promoted for her strong work ethic and dedication to volunteer engagement. In just a few months, she took on the pivotal role as the Regional Field Director for Maine’s Second Congressional District, where her efforts contributed to substantial electoral successes and enhanced volunteer engagement.
During the 2022 mid-term cycle, Sharon was one of seventeen Election Integrity State Directors with the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) inaugural initiative. Sharon was responsible for developing and executing a statewide training program for volunteers, legislators, candidates, state, and federal stakeholders. She orchestrated statewide election integrity initiatives, trained thousands of volunteers, managed a team of volunteer leaders, and navigated complex electoral challenges with remarkable success. Between her role on the campaign and her role at the RNC, she was the Finance Director for the Maine Republican Party, where she led strategic fundraising efforts and managed high-profile events.
A Magna Cum Laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Sharon is also a certified Notary Public in Maine. She continues to enhance her expertise through ongoing training in election law, municipal law, and project management.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sharon is an active member of several organizations including being a Patron member of the National Rifle Association with a lifetime membership and national member of the Log Cabin Republicans, reflecting her commitment to both political advocacy and community engagement.
Sharon’s diverse skill set, coupled with a proven track record in both electoral and financial domains, positions her as a leading figure in her field, dedicated to advancing election integrity, grassroots coalition building and training, and effective governance.
