Otis Williams on His Career of Supporting Social Equity, Economic Growth Artwork

Forum Focus

Hear the stories of stakeholders in the STL Region's built environment, who are working to create inclusive, robust employment and economic growth. Forum Focus is diverse, unbiased, and CIVIL. Theme music, "We All Need Somebody," is written and composed by Russ Mohr, and performed by The Kingdom Sessions, and is used with permission.

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Forum Focus

Otis Williams on His Career of Supporting Social Equity, Economic Growth

March 12, 2021 • Tom Finan, Executive Director/Founder, Construction Forum

In this edition of Forum Focus we're talking with Otis Williams.

Mr. Williams will be retiring in April from his position as executive director of the St. Louis Development Corporation, after 20 years with that agency.

Prior to that he had a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, culminating in the rank of colonel and a position as Corps chief of staff at the Pentagon.

Throughout his tenure in St. Louis, Mr. Williams has been a tireless advocate for social equity and economic growth for the City of St. Louis and for the region.

Recently SLDC rolled out its Equitable Economic Development Framework that aims to address the city’s population loss and opportunity gaps for people of color. As part of it, SLDC staff will be reorganized to focus on particular geographic areas to ensure that no neighborhood will be left behind.

Otis Williams is also a member of the Board of Directors of Construction Forum.