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Judy Sharken Simon brings a rich understanding of nonprofit organizations to her MAP (Management Assistance Program) clients and to MAP volunteers. Judy joined MAP’s staff in early 2006. She is responsible for MAP’s volunteer program, which each year places many Twin Cities management experts on the boards of directors of Twin Cities nonprofit organizations, or in other roles with nonprofits. Judy also provides board training to board members and prospective board members, ensuring that they understand the importance and responsibilities of their nonprofit board roles.

Prior to joining MAP, Judy worked with nonprofit organizations for more than 12 years. She served as a senior consultant with the Community Services Group of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation for more than ten years. While there, she authored "The Nonprofit Field Guide to Conducting Successful Focus Groups" as well as "The Five Life Stages of the Nonprofit Organization:  Where You Are, Where You're Going, and What to Expect When You Get There."  Judy has a B.A. in Employee Relations from Michigan State University and an M.A. in Organization Development from the University of Minnesota. Judy has worked with nonprofit clients in areas of nonprofit organization development, including board development, life stages work, and strategic planning. She developed and coordinated the Twin Cities Southeast Asian Leadership Program and served as a consultant, supervisor and instructor for the Bicultural Training Partnership which trained twelve Southeast Asians to be nonprofit management consultants. Judy has also worked as project manager for a county government human services department, as a mentorship coordinator in human resource development for 3M Corporation in Austin, Texas, and as a public workshop trainer on topics related to nonprofit management. In her work she has consulted with very small, grassroots organizations, medium-sized social service agencies, and larger governmental entities.

Contact Judy through email or at (651) 632-7222

Brad Williams earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SUNY Albany in 1984 and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Russell Sage College in 1990. Mr. Williams served as the Executive Director of the Glens Falls Independent Living Center from 1990 to 1999. While at the center, he established the Center for Assistive Computer Technology, developed an ADA Marketing Strategy which won a national award from the University of Kansas, helped to establish a Saratoga County satellite office, and successfully completed a capital campaign to occupy a $ 1.5 million dollar multi-agency facility. During this time period, Mr. Williams was also the Chairman of the New York State Coalition On Independent Living (COIL) and Secretary of the New York State Commissioner's Advisory Panel for Special Education Services.

Brad Williams is currently the Executive Director of the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC). The council provides technical assistance and training to centers, looks to increase public awareness about independent living, and pursues a public policy agenda that results in systemic change for people with disabilities. Mr. Williams serves on the Governing Board of the National Council on Independent Living, Co-Chair of the New York State Interagency Partnership on Assistive Technology, and is a member of the New York State Office of Advocate for Persons with Disabilities (OAPWD) Advisory Board.

Contact Brad through email or at (518) 427-1060