Sophia Shaw

Co-Founder of PlanPerfect

Sophia Shaw is co-founder of PlanPerfect, a software platform for nonprofit strategic planning and enterprise risk management. Drawing on her experience as a CEO, trustee, donor, volunteer, consultant, and professor of social impact, she brings clients a deep understanding of nonprofit governance, leadership, and organizational effectiveness.

From 2016 to 2021, Sophia served as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where she also directed Kellogg Board Fellows, connecting top MBA students with Chicago-area nonprofits for board service and teaching courses on nonprofit board governance.

From 2006 to 2016, Shaw served as vice president and then president and CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the world’s leading public gardens. During her tenure, attendance increased by 52% to more than 1 million annual visitors, fundraising reached nearly $240 million, and operating results strengthened significantly. Under her leadership, the Garden became recognized as a model for environmental conservation, urban agriculture, workforce development, and community-based education, while completing major capital projects and launching a joint Ph.D. program in plant biology and conservation with Northwestern University. She received the Openlands Conservation Leadership Award and the Chicago Horticultural Society Medal. She also has held leadership roles at The Field Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Shaw serves on the board of trustees of Wellesley College and is a director of the Winterbotham Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Her prior board service includes the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Institution), and The Arts Club of Chicago, where she served as president. She is a Level II USA Triathlon–certified coach and Dare2Tri’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year.