Jay Williams (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jay Williams
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development | |
| In office May 20, 2014 – January 20, 2017 |
|
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | John Fernandez |
| Succeeded by | John Fleming |
| 47th Mayor of Youngstown | |
| In office 2005–2011 |
|
| Preceded by | George McKelvey |
| Succeeded by | Charles Sammarone |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Roy Kojo Jawara Williams
September 26, 1971 Youngstown, Ohio |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sonja |
| Children | 1 son |
| Education | Youngstown State University (BS) |
Roy Kojo Jawara "Jay" Williams (born September 26, 1971) is an American politician. He worked for the government in important roles. From 2014 to 2017, he was the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Before that, he was the mayor of Youngstown, Ohio. Since 2017, he has led The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jay Williams grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. He studied finance at Youngstown State University. After college, he chose to stay in Youngstown. He worked for local banks. He also worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
Later, Williams left banking. He became the director of Youngstown's Community Development Agency. In this role, he helped create the "Youngstown 2010" plan. This plan aimed to improve the city. It also worked to change its public image.
Becoming Mayor of Youngstown
Williams was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party. However, he decided to run for mayor as an independent candidate. He announced his plan on May 3, 2005.
Even without much political experience, Williams quickly became a strong candidate. He ran a very popular campaign. As the election got closer, he seemed likely to win.
Election Day Victory
On Election Day, November 8, 2005, Williams won the mayoral race. He beat five other candidates. Many people were surprised by his win. They thought his youth and lack of experience would be a problem. Some believe his success came from people being unhappy with the city's old leaders.
After becoming mayor, Jay Williams worked to create a Joint Economic Development District. This district would help Youngstown grow with nearby towns. He also joined the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition. This group worked to make communities safer. It was led by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Williams' election was a big deal. He became Youngstown's first African-American mayor. He was also the city's first independent mayor since 1922.
Working for the National Government
In August 2011, Williams left his role as mayor. He took a job with the Obama administration. He became the "Auto Czar." This role focused on helping car-making communities.
In 2014, Williams became the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. He led the Economic Development Administration. His job was to help American regions grow. He worked to make them competitive in the global economy.
See also
