Shawna Fitzgerald (she/her) is a Principal at Third Plateau, where she co-leads the firm’s financial management and accounting services for philanthropy, nonprofit, and social sector clients. Shawna helps leaders build financially healthy organizations through a highly relational and strategic approach to financial leadership — grounded in a genuine passion for stability, clarity, and long-term growth.

As co-creator of Creating Answers, Shawna built a thriving External CFO firm known for its client-centered approach, deep sector expertise, and strong relationships. Under her leadership, the firm partnered with hundreds of nonprofits, businesses, and mission-driven organizations to strengthen financial operations, improve systems, and support sustainable growth. Shared values, culture, and mission made joining the Third Plateau family a natural next step.

An entrepreneur and builder at heart, Shawna has worked across a wide range of industries and has personally started, purchased, and sold multiple businesses of her own. She is known for helping leaders navigate complexity with both practical financial insight and a calm, solutions-oriented perspective. When guiding organizations through growth, operational change, or financial uncertainty, Shawna brings a collaborative spirit and deep commitment to helping people and organizations thrive.

Shawna has been featured in Sacramento Magazine, was recognized as a Sacramento Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, and received the NAWBO Outstanding Women Leaders Wise Woman Award for her leadership and impact in the business community.

Shawna lives in Northern California with her wife and daughter, who she and her wife are convinced is destined for the stage. Outside of work, she enjoys interior design, exploring new wineries, and traveling.