Based in Atlanta, Sam A. Williams leverages a leadership background with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce in his current position with Georgia State University. As professor of practice, Sam A. Williams has assisted the institution in setting in place a new Urban Studies Institute, with an aim of better connecting the campus with organizations that tackle persistent urban problems.
Mr. Williams' responsibilities have included recruiting faculty members for the institute and designing a research-focused partnership spanning academic, business, and public entities. He effectively facilitated engagement with change-focused regional and local government leaders, as well as those in the private sector. His present work focuses on documenting the intertwined efforts of more than two dozen universities and major hospitals in driving medical and clinical breakthroughs.
As Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce CEO and president from 1996 to 2015, Mr. Williams guided what has been recognized as one of the top two such organizations nationwide. He formed strong economic development and public policy relationships through the terms of seven mayors and six governors. His successful efforts included raising a total of more than $300 million for the chamber's business recruiting and public policy advocacy and providing Delta Airlines with counsel throughout its bankruptcy process. Mr. Williams’ activities enabled the airline to secure vital new international air routes.
