Sheryl Van Anne
Vice President, General Manager
Meet Sheryl
Sheryl Van Anne serves as Vice President and General Manager of Mortenson’s Chicago office, where she leads the overall direction, performance, and growth of the business. With more than 25 years of industry experience, she brings a strong focus on customer relationships, team leadership, market strategy, and delivering lasting impact across the Chicagoland area.
Professional Experience
Sheryl joined Mortenson in 2003 and has built a career leading complex, large-scale projects throughout the Chicagoland area. Her project experience includes work with the University of Chicago, United Airlines, Meta, Wheaton College, University of Chicago Medicine, and College of DuPage.
Beyond her project leadership, Sheryl is active in industry organizations and thought leadership forums. She is a member of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and has presented multiple times at the Illinois Community College Chief Financial Officers (ICCCFO) conference. Her leadership has been recognized by Building Design + Construction’s 40 Under 40, its inaugural Women in Design + Construction conference, and Constructech magazine’s Women in Construction recognition.
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Awards:
- 2018 Women in Construction
Constructech magazine - 40 Under 40
Building Design & Construction
Boards + Memberships
- Society for College & University Planning (SCUP)
Member - William Rainey Harper College
Board Member - Chicago Economic Club
Member - American Hospital Association (AHA)
Board Member
Real leadership starts with listening. When we take the time to understand our teams, our customers, and our communities, we build trust that leads to stronger collaboration and better outcomes.
Grounded in community
Chicago is more than where I work, it’s where I invest my time, build relationships, and contribute to the future of our communities. Meaningful impact starts with understanding the people a project serves, which is why listening and engagement are fundamental to my approach. I am committed to ensuring every voice is heard, every perspective is considered, and every decision is informed by the priorities that matter most. Through deliberate collaboration and consistent engagement, we build trust, strengthen partnerships, and deliver projects that create lasting value for generations to come.
Empower through culture
A strong culture is the foundation of high-performing teams. Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the impact leaders can have when they provide not only advocacy, but also the resources, clarity, and opportunities people need to succeed. That experience shaped my leadership philosophy. Today, I focus on creating an environment where individuals are equipped to take ownership, contribute with confidence, and challenge conventional thinking. When people are empowered with the support and tools to excel, they drive innovation, strengthen collaboration, and consistently deliver better outcomes.
Lead with positivity, partner with purpose
I believe leadership is about energy and authenticity. Every day, I strive to bring enthusiasm and optimism to the work we do, because positivity sets the tone for collaboration. My role isn’t just to guide. When challenges arise, I roll up my sleeves and work alongside the team to find solutions that reflect our shared goals. That same approach extends to our customers and partners. Authentic relationships that are built on trust and transparency are the cornerstone of long-term success. When we lead with purpose and partner with honesty, we create outcomes that matter and relationships that last.