Biography
Mary Zackius-Shittu is a transformational HR executive and organizational psychologist with more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations lead through complexity with people-centered strategy. She currently serves as the Global Lead HR Business Partner at the World Bank Group, where she partners with staff and leaders on organizational effectiveness, psychological safety, inclusive culture-building, and leadership development across a global footprint.
As an adjunct professor at George Mason University, Zackius-Shittu teaches Foundations of Coaching in the Organization Development and Knowledge Management Program. Her course blends psychological theory with experiential learning—equipping students to lead, coach, and influence in real-world systems.
With a PhD in organizational psychology, a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology, and a master’s degree in mental health counseling, she integrates a counseling-informed lens with a systems-level understanding of how to shape organizations for sustainable impact. Her work sits at the intersection of individual performance and organizational culture: ensuring people strategies are both humane and results driven.
Whether advising executives, mentoring emerging talent, or guiding teams through change, she helps people connect to purpose, navigate ambiguity, and lead with clarity and intention.