EXECUTIVE BOARD

LINDA BROTHERS CARTY

Linda M. Brothers is the University Staff Ombudsperson for Georgetown University. In the role of ombuds, Brothers is a neutral, informal, independent, and confidential resource helping those within the organization develop conflict resolution capacity. She offers instructional tools to address work-related concerns, surfaces systemic concerns, and develops organization-specific processes for systemic intervention. Brothers’ research focuses on the practical application of theory to advance ombuds practice, specifically in the areas of systemic dysfunction, identity-based conflict, and group functioning. Her writings include “Identity and Culture in Ombudsman Practice, “Reevaluating Standards for Confronting Racial Assumptions in Campus Problem Resolution,” and “Nuanced Resolution: A Review of Bernard Mayer’s Conflict Paradox.”

Brothers has previously been an ombuds at the National Institutes of Health and Wellesley College, where she established their first ombuds office. She is a frequent speaker and presenter for the International Ombuds Association, the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the Coalition of Federal Ombudsmen. Brothers is a past Board Member of the New England Association for Conflict Resolution and former Co-Director of Wellesley College’s Multicultural Research Initiative. She has taught negotiation, film deconstruction, and English literature. Brothers holds a J.D. from New York University and a B.A. from Yale University.

SHARON BRYANT-ZIMMERMAN

Sharon B. Zimmerman is Vice President, MDI and Regulatory Engagement and Community Development Relationship Manager for Maryland, Washington DC and Norther Virginia at Woodforest National Bank (WNB). In this position she leads the Bank's engagement and partnerships with monority banks across WNB"s 17 state footprint and manages the community development initiatives that inlcude lending, investments and services that support the sustainable economic development of low- and - moderate income (LMI) communities within the Greater Washington and Maryland region. Sharon has over 30 years of financial services experience in community development, bank compliance, marketing, corporate governance, and commercial, retail and residential real estate development/lending. She joined WNB from the United Way of National Capital Area, where she served as the agency's Community Engagement Manager and Regional Council Director. Prior to that position, she served as Vice President, Commercial Lending for Industrial. Bank, one of the oldest and largest minority banks in the country.

Sharon currently is Co-President for two regional community development bank collaboratives, the Maryland Bankers Community Reinvestment Group and the Metro Washington Banker's Group and is a member of the Women of Color in Community Development.

Ms. Zimmerman holds a BA in Finance and International Banking and an MBA from George Washington University.

DOUGLAS SMITH

Douglas Smith is a seasoned electrical engineer with over 20 years of experience in the technology and engineering sectors. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland. Douglas is recognized for his passion for the underserved and the gentle and compassionate manner in which he takes on leadership tasks to serve local communities.

TARIK GREEN

Tarik Green has been fascinated with science, math and technology since he was a young child. These interests lead him to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. He currently holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Miami. After graduating, Tarik went on to start a career in IT consulting at Accenture, one of the world’s largest consulting firms. Tarik worked hard and was able to ascend the corporate ladder and is now currently an Associate Manager there. At the end of the day, his ultimate goal is to help create innovative solutions and ultimately affect positive change in the lives of people around the world through a career in technology.

NATALIE CLAYTON

Natalie Clayton is the Executive Director of FAIR Girls, Inc., where she leads efforts to support survivors of human trafficking and prevent further exploitation in our surrounding communities. Since joining in September 2023, she has been dedicated to developing staff, strengthening and expanding programs, and ensuring the organization’s financial longevity. Natalie thrives on improving outcomes for survivors, building strong internal teams, fostering relationships with external partners, and ensuring that the organization’s goals are met effectively and compassionately.

Natalie’s experience was gained through nearly two decades of legal and nonprofit leadership positions, including her previous role as Vice President and General Counsel of a large nonprofit organization serving the child welfare system in Florida.

Before her work in nonprofit leadership, Natalie gained valuable legal experience as an attorney and trainer for the state of Florida. She holds a degree in law and sociology from American University, here in D.C. and a Juris Doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

In her personal life, Natalie and her husband are the proud parents of 5 children, three adopted from the Florida foster care system, and were therapeutic foster parents for 13 years. She enjoys traveling and exploring new cuisines, always curious about different cultures and experiences. Her personal and leadership style is grounded in empathy, commitment, and a passion for positive change.

Leaders Institute