About the Author

Dr. Williams’ journey from orphan and foster child to doctor of education, CEO, and author has been both challenging and rewarding. However, he has proven that success can be attained when a person possesses commitment, tenacity, and integrity. In his journey, Dr. Williams has been a direct care worker, foster parent, entrepreneur, nonprofit and for-profit Chief Executive Officer, adjunct professor, scholar-in-residence, and motivational speaker.

From the age of 5 through the age of 18, Dr. Williams was under the authority of the New York City foster care system, as were 9 of his 11 siblings, upon the death of their mother from a cranial aneurism. This experience left an indelible mark on his life and professional work. He has worked continuously to develop options and opportunities that he and his siblings did not have when they was served by the human service system.

Dr. Williams is proud to have earned two of his three graduate degrees from the nation’s two oldest historically African American universities: a master’s in human services (MHS) from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in public administration (MPA) from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he earned his doctorate in education (EdD) at Fielding Graduate University in August 2007. His dissertation was titled Exploring the Professional Development Experiences of Residential Child Care Workers as They Relate to Effectiveness and Retention. Dr. Williams is now pursuing his fourth graduate degree, a master of business administration (MBA), at Strayer University. He expects to graduate in the winter of 2008.

Dr. Williams has been the President and CEO of HumanWorks Affiliates, Inc., a cluster of eight corporations focused on human services, since 1993. These corporations provide group homes, foster care and life sharing, supports for individuals living independently, leisure and recreation excursions, training and professional development, and the making and selling of gift arrangements. He has over 200 employees and supervises an operating budget of over $10 million. Prior to 1993, Dr. Williams worked as a Director of Human Resources and Operations, Unit Director, Residence Manager, and Teaching Parent in organizations serving adults with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and dependent children.

Dr. Williams is very interested in the area of personal and professional development. He truly wants people to reach their fullest potential. He spends a great amount of time and energy providing training and workshops for employees and community members in areas such as stress management, time management, ethics, conflict avoidance and resolution, and customer service and loyalty.

Dr. Williams serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc., South Eastern Pennsylvania Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., and Vision for Equality, Inc. He also is a member of the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs Planning Advisory Committee (past Co-Chair), Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Stakeholder Planning Team, and the Wachovia Bank’s Business Segment Banking Advisory Board.

In May 2007, he was awarded the 2007-2008 Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI) Scholar in Residence position at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He is Kutztown University’s first yearlong FDI scholar-in-residence. He lectures, holds discussion groups, and will write articles for inclusion in journals on education and cultural diversity.

In August 2007, Dr. Williams began serving as an adjunct professor at Caldwell College in New Jersey. He teaches courses in Group Dynamics, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Multicultural Counseling in the graduate psychology program.

Dr. Williams has recently written a book titled The Navigator of Life. The purpose of this self-help book is to aid people in making balanced decisions after conducting a thorough inventory. Dr. Williams has been refining this tool over the last several years. A companion DVD, which highlights three scenarios in which The Navigator of Life was used, has also been developed. More information is available at www.thenavigatoroflife.com.

Dr. Williams has recently joined the National Speakers Association (www.nsaspeaker.org) and is available to give speeches and lectures and to facilitate retreats and meetings. His Web site, www.nj-williams.com, provides more information on his speaking interests.

Dr. Williams and his wife, Tade, have six children (5 boys and 1 girl). They reside in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.