KENNETH WILLIAMS
Houston,,TX
Summary
Strategic, results - oriented leader with twelve years of government relations and economic development experience. Successful at driving results, improving processes, building effective relationships, and implementing strategic plans. A great relationship builder centered on identifying and cultivating partnerships for equitable impact.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim President
GROW: Green Resources & Opportunities Workforce
11.2022 - Current
- Manage and supervise all programming, operations, and financial activities of the organization.
- Collaborate with all appropriate companies, nonprofits, minority serving institutions, and other NGOs.
- Build and maintain strong diplomatic relationships with various government officials.
- Negotiate partnerships with corporate sponsors for additional funding opportunities.
- Strategize and implement plans to transform and revitalize operations, capitalizing on emerging education, workforce, and economic development trends related to resilience, sustainability, and climate action.
Equity Economic Innovation Advisor (Detailee)
U.S Economic Development Administration
11.2022 - 07.2023
- Provided detailed technical analyses on federal policies and legislation related to equitable innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
- Outlined work plans, determined resources, wrote timelines, and generated initial budgets as part of project scope determination.
- Identified opportunities and developed plans for sustainability projects and programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste or restore natural systems.
- Monitored progress on existing economic development projects; identified challenges and recommended solutions.
Strategic Advisor (Consultant)
City of Houston Mayor's Office
04.2021 - 08.2022
- Managed workforce development projects including leading all key communication, outreach, program development, events, and strategic planning.
- Developed fundraising strategies for federal and philanthropic solicitation and donor cultivation.
- Led community of practice with non-profit organizations, workforce training providers, and employers to assist in developing and evaluating workforce development programs.
- Launched city initiative Green Opportunities Houston - increased community base by 15% within 10 months.
Government Relations Manager
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategy to build SEIU's strategic partners programs that promote racial equity to advance Union's mission and goals
- Managed the flow of legislative/policy proposals related to labor issues and racial justice
- Coordinated Legislative & Policy Conference education program for over 100 legislative staff and local leaders
- Oversaw all departmental needs in relation to organization development, such as budget, hiring, performance evaluation, staff retreats, employee engagement and staff leadership coaching.
Coordinator of Organizing Strategy
Leadership For Educational Equity
08.2016 - 02.2019
- Coordinated operations with project and change management, hiring, staff development and engagement, culture and leadership, systems efficacy, communications, events, and story-based inspiration
- Co-facilitated equity centered learning dialogues that fostered an inclusive community to over 500 education leaders of color in leadership development and collective impact around education issues
- Managed relevant technology assets such as, Salesforce and conduct data audits and perform data analysis by producing monthly reports.
Program Manager
University System of Georgia
11.2012 - 08.2016
- Liaison for Georgia Tech and Georgia State University DE&I initiatives aimed at increasing enrollment and faculty from underrepresented groups.
- Conducted and provided program/initiative evaluations and assessments including data research, analysis and the development of appropriate conclusions and reports.
- Planned, coordinated, and provided project support for student diversity and inclusion initiatives and transformational culture building programs, increasing student engagement by 23%.
Executive Coordinator
Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce
11.2011 - 11.2012
- Promoted and advocated for development of African American businesses and expansion of the Greater Austin business community by providing resources, technical assistance, and leadership on policy issues that enhance economic growth to over 100 small businesses
- Developed, executed, and strategically managed all aspects of programming events, including collaborative Multi-Ethnic Chamber Alliance which host 1,500 active members representing corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies
- Coordinated communication strategies that included social media, press releases, and business development events that increased membership engagement by 65%.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Government
University of Texas at Austin
05.2012
Skills
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Operational Efficiency
- Partnership Development
- Stakeholder Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Policy Development
- Project Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Program Management
Affiliations
• Association of Energy Services Professionals - Department of Energy Advisory Council
• ForbesBLK- Member
• National Forum for Black Administrators - Member
• Congressional Black Caucus Institute- Fellow
• McKinsey Academy: Problem Solving
• University of South Florida: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate
Timeline
Interim President
GROW: Green Resources & Opportunities Workforce
11.2022 - Current
Equity Economic Innovation Advisor (Detailee)
U.S Economic Development Administration
11.2022 - 07.2023
Strategic Advisor (Consultant)
City of Houston Mayor's Office
04.2021 - 08.2022
Government Relations Manager
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
08.2019 - 05.2021
Coordinator of Organizing Strategy
Leadership For Educational Equity
08.2016 - 02.2019
Program Manager
University System of Georgia
11.2012 - 08.2016
Executive Coordinator
Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce
11.2011 - 11.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Government
University of Texas at Austin
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