Allen Austin is proud to announce the successful placement of Sherry Hawn, CPA, Esq., as the Senior Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration at Houston Community College (HCC). Led by Senior Partners Edie Bartlett and Liz Townsend, this search focused on identifying a leader who could advance HCC’s financial and administrative functions to support its mission of educational excellence and community service.
As one of the largest educational institutions in the United States, HCC required a leader capable of overseeing diverse departments—including Finance, Facilities, Human Resources, Financial Aid, and Procurement—while aligning these functions with HCC’s mission of academic advancement and lifelong learning. Allen Austin conducted a comprehensive needs analysis to align the search committee on strategic priorities and the skill sets essential for success in the role. This analysis guided our nationwide search for candidates with the expertise, accountability, and collaborative leadership style to excel in this capacity.
Leveraging our extensive professional network, Allen Austin presented a diverse pool of pre-screened, highly qualified candidates to the HCC search committee. Among them, Sherry Hawn distinguished herself with her extensive background in financial strategy, operational efficiency, and public-sector administration. In addition to her technical skills, Sherry is known for her hands-on, collaborative approach and her dedication to building effective, supportive teams—qualities that align seamlessly with HCC’s culture and strategic goals.
Most recently, as Associate Vice President of Business Operations at the University of Houston, Sherry led impactful initiatives, including the automation of administrative processes and enhancements in financial controls. With over 20 years of experience in higher education financial and administrative leadership, she has a demonstrated ability to streamline operations, strengthen financial practices, and drive cost savings.
Reflecting on her experience with Allen Austin, Sherry shared:
“My experience with Allen Austin was unsurpassed. They were honest, asked incisive questions, communicated clearly, and supported me through the process. This position is my dream job.”
Allen Austin values the trust HCC placed in us for this search and is confident that Sherry’s skills and values will positively impact HCC’s mission and continued growth. Edie and Liz employed a client-centered approach to identify a candidate who was a strategic, cultural, and operational fit for HCC. Allen Austin is honored to support higher education institutions, especially those close to home that have a profound impact on their communities. We look forward to seeing the lasting contributions Sherry will bring to HCC and the Houston community.