With more than 20 years of management, advocacy, and communications experience, Naomi N. Shelton is the chief executive officer of the National Charter Collaborative, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing the diversity and performance of the nation's charter school sector by supporting the success of single-site schools led by leaders of color. NCC’s network includes more than 450 charter school leaders of color representing 25 states and the District of Columbia.

Prior to joining NCC, Naomi was the inaugural director of community engagement at the KIPP Foundation, the nonprofit support organization that facilitates the exchange of insights and ideas both within the KIPP network and with partners. Naomi's appreciation for education leaders of color deepened during her time as the inaugural director of K-12 Advocacy for UNCF, the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization.

Notably, Naomi spent several years working in Washington, DC's Executive Office of the Mayor and the Office of the Secretary of the District during the administration of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.

Naomi began her career as an integral team member with Xenophon Strategies, Inc., a boutique public relations and crisis communications firm.

A long-standing resident of Washington, DC, Naomi recently completed a term as a volunteer member and secretary of the DC Public Charter School Board.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS, and resides in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of the District.