Lessons from Local Leaders:

Sharon Virts

Sharon Virts’ journey from successful CEO to award-winning historical fiction author and philanthropist offers profound insights into finding purpose beyond traditional business success. Having built FCI Federal from her basement into a company with 5,000 employees and subcontractors before selling it in 2017, Virts embodies the principle that “the meaning of life can be found in giving.”

Throughout our conversation, Virts emphasized how her business acumen continues to influence her philanthropic work through the Virts Miller Family Foundation (originally called the Sharon Wirtz Foundation). The foundation focuses on economic development for people in need, healthcare initiatives, and cultural and historical preservation—particularly in Loudoun County, Virginia, where Virts was born, raised, and still resides today. What makes her approach unique is how she applies business principles to philanthropy, ensuring maximum impact from every dollar donated.

One non-negotiable aspect of her giving philosophy is avoiding organizations with high administrative costs. “We don’t typically give to those organizations or organizations that want us to pay for an admin position,” Virts explained. Instead, she focuses on ensuring that donations directly reach the intended beneficiaries. This approach was exemplified when she raised money for hurricane victims in North Carolina through Samaritan’s Purse, where 95% of donations went directly to victims rather than administrative costs.

Virts’ passion for historical preservation extends beyond financial contributions. Through Selma Mansion Construction, she restores old properties, adding value to communities while preserving their cultural heritage. Her restoration of Selma Mansion, where she currently resides, demonstrates her commitment to honoring history while making it accessible. The mansion serves as a venue for charitable organizations aligned with her mission, hosting fundraising events that she and her husband underwrite completely.

Perhaps most fascinating is Virts’ transition to becoming an award-winning historical fiction author. Her novels—including “Mask of Honor,” “Veil of Doubt,” and “Graze of Truth” (which recently won the International Book Award for Best Historical Fiction)—are all based on true stories set in 19th-century Loudoun County. Through meticulous research and storytelling, she brings forgotten local history to life while drawing parallels to contemporary issues.

“It’s not necessarily about that particular event,” Virts noted about her historical fiction approach. “It’s about how that particular event impacted the community and the community’s reaction to it.” This perspective allows her to highlight how history repeats itself—from stolen elections in the 1800s that mirror modern electoral controversies to impeachment proceedings that echo across centuries.

Curiosity drives both her business and creative endeavors. In business, Virts attributed much of her success to asking questions others didn’t think to ask. Similarly, in her writing, she examines historical facts and asks “why” to fill narrative gaps. This approach has led to compelling storytelling that surprises readers while remaining grounded in historical truth.

When asked why she continues to give back rather than simply enjoying retirement, Virts offered a deeply personal answer: “It’s a voice that speaks to me, that tells me what I need to do. Call it my conscience, call it Jesus, call it whatever you want to call it, but I am led and I just do what I’m told.” This spiritual guidance shapes her decisions about which causes to support and how to allocate resources.

For entrepreneurs considering transitioning to creative or philanthropic pursuits, Virts advises first ensuring financial stability, then pursuing passions while giving back to the community. “You’ve spent 30, 40 years of your life working… spend a little time on yourself doing what you love, but also making sure that you give back, because this community helped make you, and then you need to leave some legacy behind for others to help them.”

Sharon Virts story reminds us that success extends far beyond financial achievements. By applying business principles to philanthropy, preserving history through restoration and storytelling, and following spiritual guidance, she demonstrates how a purposeful “second act” can create lasting impact across multiple dimensions—proving that the meaning of life truly can be found in giving.

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