He is responsible for managing internal and external communication, and media relations across various platforms, including international, national, regional and local press outlets.
MEMPHIS, TN, November 19, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kenneth Williams has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Williams has built an impressive career in public affairs, currently serving as the chief public affairs officer for the Memphis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since 2022. In this role, he is responsible for managing internal and external communication, and media relations across various platforms, including international, national, regional and local press outlets. His work focuses on explaining the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mission and its activities on the Mississippi River, particularly during periods of low water levels that have impacted the shipping industry and the nation's economy. He organizes news conferences to keep the public informed about these and other related issues such as flooding. Additionally, he oversees the office's website and social media channels, ensuring effective community relations.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Williams served as a public affairs officer for the Memphis District from 2016 to 2022. His tenure with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began after his role as a public affairs officer with the Veterans Administration in Topeka, Kansas. Before joining the Veterans Administration, he ventured into entrepreneurship by opening a communication consulting private practice. Unfortunately, his business endeavors were interrupted by a stroke that required three years of rehabilitation. Throughout his career, Mr. Williams has also fought to keep his eyesight against a childhood onset of glaucoma, requiring multiple surgeries.
Mr. Williams' career in public affairs was preceded by significant contributions to the U.S. Air Force. He served as a combat and aerial photographer, multimedia manager, and the course manager for Air Force photographer career development courses from 1981 to 2002, where he played a pivotal role in transitioning the Air Force to digital photography. In addition to significantly improving cost-effectiveness and efficiency, this initiative completely eliminated hazardous photo-chemical waste streams at Air Force bases worldwide. After retiring from active duty, he continued his service as a civil service employee at Vandenberg Air Force Base as chief of motion picture production before moving to Little Rock Air Force Base as the base multimedia manager. There, he was instrumental in starting a strategic information initiative that combined public affairs and multimedia functions and later became the public affairs officer after completing coursework at the Department of Defense's Defense Information School. The initiative later served as a "pilot unit" for the rest of the Air Force to follow.
Educationally, Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in management of human resources from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. His academic background has been integral to his success in managing complex human resources and communication challenges throughout his career. He attributes much of his professional achievements to his faith in God, which he believes guides him through life's challenges and opportunities.
Throughout his career, Mr. Williams has been recognized with numerous awards, including being nominated for induction into the Department of Defense's Defense Information School Hall of Fame in 2024 and receiving several commendations from both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Air Force. His accolades include Air Force Communications and Information Professional of the Year, two Department of the Army Achievement Medals for Civilian Service, Department of the Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal, two Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Force Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, and being named an Arkansas State honorary goodwill ambassador, "Arkansas Traveler," by the governor and secretary of state, among many others.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Williams is dedicated to mentoring others and sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge. He enjoys practicing photography and attending jazz concerts with his wife, reflecting his passion for creativity and culture. As a father, he values family life deeply and aims to impart valuable lessons to those around him through mentorship and guidance in future endeavors.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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