Sharon Ann Volkman Podesta

April 14, 1952 – June 25, 2024

Sharon Ann Volkman passed away on June 27, 2024, at the age of 72 after a long battle with persistent health conditions. She was born on April 14, 1952, in Oceanside, California, and was raised in San Leandro, California. Sharon attended Assumption School in San Leandro and later graduated from Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland in 1970.

She was the beloved daughter of Marion Poole and Roy Streever, both originally from Iowa. After an early estrangement, her mother remarried, and Sharon was adopted by John Podesta. She had a younger brother, John A. Podesta, who currently resides in New York City.

Sharon was a trailblazer in the field of executive recruiting, making a name for herself in the Denver metropolitan area during the 1980s and 1990s. She worked extensively with Trammell Crow, specializing in placing commercial real estate developers and top executives. Her recruitment training manual became widely used in the industry, and her innovative techniques continue to influence major executive recruiting firms today. Sharon trained numerous professionals and was regarded as one of the best in her field.

Beyond her professional success, Sharon was a devoted mother who raised her three children with resilience and strength. She is survived by her eldest son, Weston Mickey; her second son, Ian Mickey; and her youngest daughter, Megan Mickey. She was a loving grandmother to five cherished grandchildren: Abbigail Mattes-Mickey, Hailey Mickey, Parker Ochoa, Joseph Ochoa Jr., and Patricia Ochoa.

Sharon's life was rich with passion and interests. She was an avid car enthusiast with a deep love for sports cars, starting with her MG and later favoring Volvos and Porsches. She also had a lifelong fascination with elephants, collecting figurines and artwork that reflected their beauty and symbolism. A devout Catholic, she attended churches in San Leandro, Oakland, and Denver throughout her life.

Sharon was known for her sharp intellect, captivating personality, and unwavering toughness. She courageously battled cancer three times, defying the odds with her strength and determination. She had a gift for drawing people in with her charisma and was deeply loved by many.

She was married four times, first to Russ Ferreira, then to Gerald Brent Mickey, with whom she had her three children. Her third husband, Jerry “Buck” Beckholt, played a pivotal role in helping raise her family. Later in life, she married Christopher Volkman, whom she met in Williams, California.

Her family is currently making arrangements for her final resting place, and details of her funeral service will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sharon’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched—her family, friends, colleagues, and those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, but her love, wisdom, and resilience will never be forgotten.