Darnell L. Williams
Boston,Massachusetts
Summary
Transformational leader with expertise in driving cultural change and improving organizational effectiveness. Secured over $40 million in funding for underserved populations while ensuring compliance with civil rights programs. Skilled in building partnerships across diverse sectors to enhance opportunities for minority and disadvantaged businesses.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
DEPUTY CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER-EXTERNAL PROGRAMS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/MASSACHUSETTS BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
01.2020 - Current
- The Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for External Programs ("Deputy Chief-External") leads programs to satisfy conditions for receiving federal funds.
- The Deputy Chief-External will assist and oversee the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs that increase the viability of minority, women, and disadvantaged businesses and increase the agency's utilization of the pool of viable businesses and qualified individuals.
- Managed civil rights programs at MassDOT and MBTA, applying expertise to plan, organize, and evaluate initiatives that support external civil rights objectives.
- Provided leadership and management oversight for MassDOT and MBTA's compliance with Civil Rights programs and policies, ensuring alignment with federal and state mandates.
- Developed and recommended compliance strategies for state and federal requirements, enhancing opportunities for minority, women, and disadvantaged businesses.
- MassDOT and the MBTA, per agreement with the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation, must provide equal opportunity to disadvantaged business enterprises ("DBE") in awarding of its projects and provide employment opportunities and training to minorities and women in the construction industry.
Belonging and Emerging Consultant
DIVERSITY CONSULTANT
01.1994 - Current
- Assess, design and implement interventions for organizational development linking strategic initiatives with diversity efforts.
- Facilitate skill development seminars focused on maximizing the different dimensions of diversity.
- Facilitate strategic and organizational change seminars and workshops.
President/Chief Executive Officer
URBAN LEAGUE OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Boston, MA
01.2001 - 01.2019
- Provide overall guidance, leadership, management and fiduciary accountability of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.
- Successfully advocated and secured the National Urban League's Annual Conference to be held in Boston after a 35-year absence attracting over 10,000 visitors.
- The 2011 NUL Conference was hosted and spearheaded by the President/CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.
- Organized and engaged Host Committee and Civic Engagement Committee to drive city-wide diversity and image change effort.
- Promoted the concept and vision to corporate, government, civic, and non-profit leaders to improve Boston's perception as welcoming to minorities and diverse audiences.
- Serve as champion of organizational and strategic initiatives. Applies a sense of urgency and originality to drive organizational mission, goals and objectives.
- Institute a results-focused culture to align efforts and drive implementation of mission to serve customers throughout the catchment area.
- Expanded reach and platform of Urban League to address economic challenges, racial disparities, and police relations through advocacy and public policy initiatives.
- Identified target audience as young adults aged 18-44 and mature workers over 55 who faced chronic underemployment and unemployment.
Manager, Management Recruitment & Development
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
Boston, MA
01.1995 - 01.2001
- Recruited employees, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness in the hiring process.
- Delivered expertise in human resources principles, including recruitment, employee relations, management consultation, program development, training, diversity, benefits determination, wage and salary, and organizational development.
- Utilized all sources including internal candidates, employee referrals, job fairs, advertisements, employment agencies, and direct referrals, while maintaining a low cost-per-hire.
- Executed HR strategies addressing workforce reduction, change management, union activities, lawsuits, employee complaints, and communicated competitive issues impacting health care to hospital community.
- Provided updates to Senior Vice President of Human Resources on HR activities.
Consultant, Health Services for the Homeless
SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Springfield, MA
01.1993 - 01.1994
- Wrote grant proposals, analyzed statistical data, and implemented comprehensive health services programs for the homeless.
- Managed operations and strategic planning while supervising 15 staff to deliver medical, clinical, and dental services for homeless individuals.
- Provided fiscal management of a $650,000 grant budget.
- Established effective working relationships with city departments and community, legal, media, federal, and state agencies to enhance service delivery.
Corporate Staffing, Business Consultant
AETNA LIFE & CASUALTY
Hartford, CT
01.1979 - 01.1992
- Management Training Consultant (1988 to 1992)
- Senior Human Resources Specialist (1983 to 1988)
- Senior Property & Casualty Underwriter (1979 to 1983)
Education
Honorary Doctorate of Laws, Ph.D. -
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Springfield, Massachusetts01-2018
Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Ph.D. -
WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY
Worcester, Massachusetts01-2018
M.Ed. - Organizational Effectiveness & Adult Education
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Boston, Massachusetts01-1993
B.S. - Business Administration
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Springfield, Massachusetts01-1979
Skills
- Public speaking
- Workshop facilitation
- Training delivery
- Organizational development
Affiliations
- President, Association of Executives (AOE), National Urban League, 2013-2015
- Trustee, National Urban League, Board of Directors, 01/2013-2015
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Retirement Fund, Board of Trustees, 2009-2012
- Board of Directors-Co-operative Central Bank, 2009-2017
- Director, Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Board of Directors; Gubernatorial appointment, 02/2008-2010
- Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Community Development Advisory Council, 2005-2009
- Chairman, Roxbury Master Plan Strategic Oversight Committee, 2004-2015
- Massachusetts General Hospital Community Advisory Board, 2004-2010
- Trustee, Gibbs College, 2003-2006
- Trustee, Bunker Hill Community College, 2002-2007
- Trustee, Beaver Country Day School, 2002-2006
- Chief Executives' Club of Boston, 2002
- Boston Study Group, 2001
- President, New England Area Conference, NAACP, 1999-2001
- President, Springfield Branch NAACP, 1996-2001
- Director, Community United Way of Pioneer Valley, 1999-2001
- Vice Chairman, Springfield Board of Fire Commissioners, 1982-1989
- Vice Chairman, Massachusetts State Auto Damage Licensing Board, 1988-1992
Awards
- MLK 50, Boston MLK Memorial Breakfast, Community Award, 2020
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, 2019
- National Forum for Black Public Administrators-Boston Chapter-Annual Award, 2012
- City of Boston, City Council Resolution, 2007
- Human Resources Alliance for African Americans Hall of Fame, 2007
- Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development Award, 2005
- Paul Parks Veteran's Community Service Award, 2005
- Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Community Service Award, 2003
Timeline
DEPUTY CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER-EXTERNAL PROGRAMS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/MASSACHUSETTS BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
01.2020 - Current
President/Chief Executive Officer
URBAN LEAGUE OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS
01.2001 - 01.2019
Manager, Management Recruitment & Development
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
01.1995 - 01.2001
Belonging and Emerging Consultant
DIVERSITY CONSULTANT
01.1994 - Current
Consultant, Health Services for the Homeless
SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
01.1993 - 01.1994
Corporate Staffing, Business Consultant
AETNA LIFE & CASUALTY
01.1979 - 01.1992
Honorary Doctorate of Laws, Ph.D. -
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Ph.D. -
WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY
M.Ed. - Organizational Effectiveness & Adult Education
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
B.S. - Business Administration
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE