Currently, Williams is the Van Wezel’s Acting Deputy Director and will provide stability to the organization as the City moves forward with its search for an Executive Director. “I plan to keep business going as smoothly as possible until the Executive Director is hired and in place,” said Williams. “It’s helpful that I already work here because I know the employees and they know me. Also, I know the staff throughout the City and if I need assistance, I’ll know who to go to.” Williams is not a candidate for the Executive Director position, which could be filled by November 2007.

To provide support during this transition period, Deputy City Manager V. Peter Schneider will spend one day a week at the Van Wezel assisting with the day-to-day operations.

Williams has worked at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall since 1985 gaining expertise in a vast array of areas including customer service, bookkeeping and box office management. In 2004, as House and Box Office Manager she was named City of Sarasota Employee of the Year. “I’ve touched a bit of everything here,” said Williams. She began her career with the City of Sarasota in April 1980 as a personnel technician within the Human Resources Department.

Williams is a native of Sarasota, attending Booker High School and graduating from Riverview High. She attended Manatee Community College.