Highlights of my Professional Background

  • Served as the first Executive Director of a mission driven nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for lasting economic stability and permanent housing for unhoused and low-income people for nearly 30 years.

  • Negotiated agreements which led to significant opportunities and outcomes in affordable housing, employment, community services and economic stability for low income and unhoused San Franciscans.

  • Mentored emerging nonprofit program directors and managers, providing guidance in leadership development.

  • Created, expanded and restructured a nonprofit board of directors; facilitated board retreats and helped align governance with organizational growth.

  • Organized over 20 annual fundraisers and increased fundraising event revenue by reshaping event strategy and deepening donor engagement. Provided on going grant research, writing and management.

  • Led organizational rebranding, legal restructuring, and long-term strategic planning to continue to meet the organization’s mission and grow the organization over time.

  • Organized community needs assessments and strategic planning that guided the creation of new community services, affordable housing units, and workforce programs.

  • Managed organizational operations including finance, human resources, program development and support services.

  • Collaborated with many diverse nonprofits as well as government agencies and private sector companies to create opportunities for affordable housing, employment, economic stability, supportive services and community engagement.

Professional Experience

Executive Director
One Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA
1995 – 2024

Lead Community Organizer
Various San Francisco-Based Nonprofits
1987 – 1994

Worked to develop and support strong community leaders to protect and expand affordable housing, services and enhance community life.

Education

  • Master’s of Social Work, San Francisco State University

  • BA, Political Science, University of California, San Diego

“Sherry keeps a joyful spirit with whoever she’s working with—whether it’s politicians, staff, community members, Board of Directors, etc…she treats everyone the same and treats everyone with kindness. Her spirit of joyfulness is in part why she’s gotten a lot of things done.”

— Jim Fagler, One TI Board Member and retired architect

“Sherry has been a mentor to me. I’ve learned so much from her but what I think I’ve learned the most is how to be diplomatic… She dedicated 30 years of her life to creating an equitable, diverse community on Treasure Island and I don’t think the Island would be where it is today without her influence, without the care, how she does the work and her talent in getting people to see the dream and jump on board.”

— Nella Goncalves, One Treasure Island, Executive Director

Honors & Recognitions

Over the years, my work has been generously acknowledged by partnering community-based organizations and elected officials through numerous certificates of Honor and Appreciations.

Sherry Williams Day

As I neared my departure from One Treasure Island, October 17, 2024 was declared Sherry Wiliams Day in San Francisco by then Mayor London Breed.

Sherry Williams Community Center

In May of 2025, I was presented with an honor of a lifetime. I was completely surprised and humbled by the renaming of the community center on Treasure Island that is at the heart of the community building and service work that I was grateful to lead. To have the community heart of the island named after me is an honor I will never forget!

“I have had the pleasure of working with Sherry for over 20 years. Sherry afforded me and my affordable housing consultancy opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. She is tenacious and adds her personal touch in all that she does. The impact of Sherry’s work has left an indelible imprint for generations to come.”

— Natalie Bonnewit, affordable housing consultant and former One TI Board President

Contact me

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!