Sharon N. Williams, MFA in Arts Leadership class of 2009, has been hired by CD Forum as the new managing director. CD Forum is the only local, nonprofit organization solely dedicated to presenting emerging Black arts, artists, and ideas in the Seattle area.

"Sharon brings substantial management skills from both the business and arts worlds," said board president, Mark Griffin. "When combined with her genuine passion for the arts, Sharon really embodies the values CD Forum embraces in presenting and producing dynamic performing arts and humanities programs."

Sharon is the founder of the Mahogany Project, a local theater and film production company, and holds both a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters of Fine Arts.