Anne Williams-Isom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anne Williams-Isom
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Williams-Isom in 2023
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| Deputy Mayor of New York City for Health and Human Services | |
| In office January 1, 2022 – March 14, 2025 |
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| Mayor | Eric Adams |
| Preceded by | Melanie Hartzog |
| Succeeded by | Suzanne Miles-Gustave |
| Acting First Deputy Mayor of New York City | |
| In office October 8, 2024 |
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| Mayor | Eric Adams |
| Preceded by | Sheena Wright |
| Succeeded by | Maria Torres-Springer |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Anne Williams
November 17, 1964 Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Spouse | Phillip Isom |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Fordham University Columbia Law School |
| Occupation | Government official, academic, lawyer, nonprofit executive |
Anne Williams-Isom was born on November 17, 1964. She is an American government official, a teacher, and a lawyer. She also used to lead a nonprofit organization. From January 2022 to March 2025, she worked as the Deputy Mayor of New York City for Health and Human Services. This means she helped the Mayor with important programs for people's health and well-being.
She also briefly served as the acting First Deputy Mayor of New York City on October 8, 2024. This happened when the previous First Deputy Mayor, Sheena Wright, left her role. Anne Williams-Isom stepped in temporarily until Maria Torres-Springer was appointed later that same day. She also holds a special teaching position at Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Before her government roles, she was the chief operating officer and then the chief executive officer of the Harlem Children's Zone.
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Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Queens
Anne Williams was born on November 17, 1964, in Queens, New York City. Her parents were Edna and Atthille Williams. Her mother came to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago. Anne went to St. Catherine of Sienna School in St. Albans, Queens. She later graduated from the Dominican Commercial High School.
Learning and Studying
In 1986, Williams-Isom finished her college degree at Fordham University. She studied political science, which is about how governments work, and psychology, which is about how people think and feel. That same year, she started working for the New York City Police Department in Brooklyn. She helped connect the police with the community.
In 1991, she earned a law degree from Columbia Law School. She also took classes in ministry at the New York Theological Seminary.
Her Career Journey
Starting in Government
After law school, Williams-Isom worked at a few law firms. In 1996, she joined the New York City Administration for Children's Services. This agency helps children and families in New York City. She started as the director of community planning. Later, she became a special advisor to the commissioner, who is the head of the agency.
In 2006, during the time Michael Bloomberg was Mayor, she was promoted. She became the deputy commissioner for community and government affairs. In this role, she helped the agency work with different communities and government groups.
Helping Children and Families
In 2009, Williams-Isom became the chief operating officer of the Harlem Children's Zone. This organization helps children and families in Harlem with education, health, and community programs. On July 1, 2014, she became the chief executive officer, taking over from Geoffrey Canada. She led the organization in its important work.
She also holds a special teaching position at Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Here, she teaches about child welfare, which means how to keep children safe and help them thrive.
Becoming a Deputy Mayor
In December 2021, Eric Adams, who was about to become the Mayor of New York City, chose Anne Williams-Isom for a big role. He named her the incoming Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. She started this important job in January 2022 and served until March 2025. In this role, she helped lead efforts to improve health and social services for all New Yorkers.
Personal Life
Anne Williams-Isom is married to Phillip Isom. They have three children together. She is also a member of the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
