Sharon Ann Fulk Hunt 

August 2, 1943 – February 16, 2019

On February 16, Sharon Hunt transitioned to her eternal rest after a brave battle with cancer. This remarkable lady touched the lives of countless friends, family, and colleagues on her journey and occupies a special place in the hearts of each.

From Ashland, Ohio, Sharon was born to Paul Harold and Ethel Lucille Fulk. Her family was always very important and the “Fulk cousins” remain active in communication with one another. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Bowling Green University and began a career as a teacher. She quickly decided to earn her Master’s degree at The Ohio State University. She put her career briefly on hold when daughter Heather was born before returning to part-time work until the family moved to Atlanta in 1979. Sharon then found her true calling in association management. One group in particular made a deep impression on her – the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE). In 1996, she transitioned from managing multiple associations to be the Executive Director of the Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO), where she remained until she retired in 2014. She became a member of GSAE, and served in many leadership roles to mentor countless hundreds of members. She continued to work part-time after retirement for the SAO and also for the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists (SWSO).

While serving the SAO, she instituted multiple programs that positively impacted members and orthodontics. She launched the SAO’s Leadership Program in 2007, with a total of 99 graduates to date. A similar popular program was adopted by the SWSO. Sharon attended 193 meetings of state chapter organizations, where she interacted with thousands. She executed a Futures Study, which was instrumental throughout the Orthodontic community. She continued to remain active until sickness precluded her participation.

Sharon’s professional activities and initiatives resulted in awards and recognition too extensive to list. She received the SAO’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. GSAE renamed the Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader Award in 2014. She served as the President of GSAE from 2004 to 2005, and was the recipient of their Clifford M. Clarke Award in 1999. She was a reviewer for the American Society of Association Executives and helped associations all over the U.S.

As a volunteer, Sharon Hunt had no peers. From 2015 to 2017 she was a Master Examiner for the American Health Care Association, and was a Senior Examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige Award from 2008 to 2014. She was very active in her church, Embry Hills United Methodist (EHUMC), and served as the Chair of its Administrative Council and Chair of the Finance Committee. She was also Secretary of her Stonecrest Condominium Association. Although Sharon was busy with church and profession, she made time for hobbies. She was known in bridge circles as a brilliant tactician and quickly accumulated masterpoints. She inherited her father’s green thumb and loved growing too many tomatoes. She was a consummate reader, cook, line dancer, and even developed a zeal for zip lining! She loved traveling the world with her daughter, Heather.

Sharon is survived by three siblings: Shirley Boyd of Ashland, Ohio; Lawrence Fulk (Janet) of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; and Kenneth Fulk (Helen) of Toledo, Ohio; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as the love of her life, her daughter Heather (Joseph Curtis). Heather and Joseph reside in Atlanta where Heather followed her mother into her beloved association management career and GSAE involvement.

This kind and gentle lady greatly impacted the lives of many. She was a professional in every sense of the word, a “leader’s leader”, not only in Orthodontics, but in her church and community. The remarkable Sharon will be missed by all - she made an enormous difference in this world.

Our thanks to Sharon's daughter, Heather Hunt, for sharing this beautifully written memorial with all of us.