TREVOR, Wis. — After more than 15 years as executive director of The Sharing Center, Sharon Pomaville (D), 62, has announced her retirement, bringing to a close a tenure that supporters credit with expanding the organization’s reach and securing a permanent home for the nonprofit.

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For many residents in western Kenosha County, Pomaville will be remembered for her work leading the Trevor-based nonprofit that provides food, housing assistance, and other support services to families in need. During her tenure, the Sharing Center grew its programs, expanded community partnerships, and acquired the building it now owns, accomplishments highlighted by the organization’s Board of Directors in announcing her retirement.

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Others, however, say Pomaville’s legacy became far more complicated when she entered politics.

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Pomaville served a two-year term on the Kenosha County Board after being elected in 2020. A self-described liberal Democrat, she was viewed by many political opponents as a member of the board’s far-left faction. While supporters praised her advocacy, critics argued she increasingly used her public position to advance political causes rather than focus on county governance.

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She also maintained a close political relationship with embattled attorney and former Salem Lakes Trustee Ted Kmiec, a polarizing figure in western Kenosha County politics whose legal and political controversies drew significant public attention during and after Pomaville’s time in elected office.

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Pomaville’s tenure on the County Board was also overshadowed by an ethics controversy stemming from Country Thunder’s practice of providing thousands of dollars in complimentary tickets, camping passes, parking, and other benefits to county officials. The controversy prompted Kenosha County to retain an outside Milwaukee law firm to conduct a months-long investigation into possible ethics violations. According to the firm’s findings, several supervisors, including Pomaville, accepted benefits that raised ethical concerns under the county’s ethics code.

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The ethics investigation became one of the defining issues of Pomaville’s time in elected office. Although she completed her term, she did not seek reelection in 2022.

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Pomaville’s compensation as executive director also generated discussion over the years. IRS Form 990 filings show she received six-figure compensation while leading the nonprofit. The organization’s most recent filing reports $109,892 in reportable compensation and an additional $9,900 in other compensation. Previous filings reflected compensation of roughly $120,000, prompting some residents to question whether the salary was appropriate for the head of a nonprofit organization, while supporters argued it reflected the size, responsibilities, and growth of the Sharing Center.

In announcing her retirement, the Sharing Center credited Pomaville with strengthening the organization, expanding services, and positioning it for the future. The board also announced that she will remain in her role while a search is conducted for her successor to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Pomaville said serving as executive director for the past 15 years had been “one of the greatest honors of my life” and said she intends to assist with the organization’s capital campaign and leadership transition before stepping away.