Remembering Sherry M. Smith (1950 –2025): A Trailblazing Financial Executive and Corporate Leader
Deere & Company, along with the broader business and finance community, is mourning the loss of Sherry M. Smith, a respected financial executive and distinguished board director, who passed away on July 7, 2025. Her death marks the end of a storied career that spanned decades of influential service, marked by integrity, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to excellence.
A Distinguished Corporate Leader
Sherry M. Smith brought depth and discipline to every role she held. Most recently, she served as the Independent Lead Director on the Deere & Company Board of Directors, a position she assumed in February 2024 after 13 years of dedicated service to the company. Her insightful leadership and steady guidance helped Deere navigate complex financial and governance landscapes during a time of global transformation.
Before joining Deere, Sherry made her mark in the retail and financial sectors. She retired in 2013 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SUPERVALU Inc., where she led financial operations for one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers. Her tenure there was characterized by financial stewardship during turbulent economic periods and forward-thinking corporate responsibility.
A Champion for Governance and Diversity
Beyond Deere, Sherry Smith served on several high-profile boards, including Piper Sandler Companies (since 2016) and Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (since 2014). Her presence in these boardrooms wasn’t just symbolic, it was deeply strategic. She was known for her thoughtful analysis, her collaborative spirit, and her ability to elevate the quality of discussion in the boardroom.
As a woman in senior financial leadership, Sherry was also a powerful example of gender diversity at the highest levels of corporate governance, often encouraging and mentoring young professionals aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
Legacy of Integrity and Impact
Sherry’s passing leaves a significant void not just at Deere & Company, but across the broader business community. Her life’s work exemplified fiduciary responsibility, ethical decision-making, and compassionate leadership. Her colleagues remember her as principled, approachable, and deeply wise.
Final Reflections
While the specifics of her memorial arrangements have not been publicly announced, those who knew Sherry personally and professionally are encouraged to honor her memory through the values she embodied: sound leadership, financial diligence, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right.
As we remember Sherry M. Smith, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, courage, and distinction. Her legacy will continue to shape corporate leadership and inspire future generations for years to come.
Rest in peace, Sherry. Your voice and vision left the world better than you found it.
