NonProfits First

Keynote Speaker

W. Hodding Carter, III

The University of North Carolina,

Chapel Hill

Hodding Carter III became University Professor of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in January, 2006. He came to that post after almost eight years as president and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in Miami. His previous professional career included 17 years as a newspaper journalist in Greenville, Mississippi; 17 years as an Emmy-winning television anchor and documentarian based in Washington and four years as assistant secretary of state of public affairs and Department spokesman under President Jimmy Carter.

He was closely involved in civil right-related political work in Mississippi in the 1960s and 1970s and was co-chairman of the biracial delegation to the l968 Democratic National Convention that was seated in place of the all-white regular delegation. He has written two books, contributed to nine others and numerous magazines and newspapers.

Plenary Speaker

Cathy A. Trower, PhD.

Harvard University

Currently at Harvard University, Cathy is nationally known for her expertise on board policies, leadership, structure, organizational change, best governance practices, the chair-CEO relationship, strategic planning, and moving boards from fiduciary oversight, to a strategic asset, then to providing leadership. Cathy provides governance consulting services to independent schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and healthcare systems, and community service organizations. As a facilitator, her specialty involves combining her knowledge of governance, strategic thinking, and building high performance teams to create an experience for governing boards and corporate executives that translates into energy, action, and a shared commitment to excellence. Trower is a TIAA-CREF Fellow and a former college trustee. Prior to Harvard, she was a senior executive for Johns Hopkins University’s business programs; she has a BBA and an MBA in addition to her PhD.

Closing Speaker

Sharon R. Bock, Esq.
Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County

Sharon R. Bock was first elected Clerk & Comptroller of Palm Beach County in 2004, and was re-elected in 2008. Prior to her election, she served as Chief Deputy Clerk for seven years and spent nearly twenty-five years in the private sector as a financial consultant, attorney, title company owner and general manager.

Clerk Bock earned her law degree from the South Texas College of Law and studied International Commerce Law at the University of Hong Kong. She also earned securities and insurance licenses as well as a real estate sales license. She is also a licensed general aviation pilot and certified scuba diver.

Clerk Bock is actively involved in numerous civic and professional organizations, and she was honored by Leadership Palm Beach County with the 2008 Leadership Excellence Award and by Florida Diversity Magazine as one of the Most Powerful & Influential Women in Florida for 2009.

Since taking office, Clerk Bock has brought fiscal awareness to Palm Beach County citizens and remains committed to promoting accountability in county government.