-Compiled and edited by Shawn Nowlin
Who is Wesley Williams?
Someone who is serious, consistent, faith-filled, generous, committed, likeable and an only child.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born in Atlanta, GA, (Grady baby for life!) and raised 30 minutes north in Gwinnett County. My upbringing was full of hard work, character formation and family. I couldn’t watch TV during the week. Additionally, I could not drink any liquids or leave the table until I finished all of my food. We always had someone in our family or extended family staying at our house. I began playing basketball around fifth grade and that consumed most of my free time until I left for college.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
I moved to Valdosta, where I attended Valdosta State University. I pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems.
What is your official title and what do your responsibilities consist of?
I am the Executive Director of Technology for Roanoke City Public Schools. My responsibilities consist of the following:
Developing and implementing a strategic vision for the use of technology in Roanoke City Public Schools in both the academic and infrastructural systems.
Overseeing the division’s technology department, guiding, supporting, mentoring, monitoring, and evaluating the technology team members to ensure that each of them serves as a strong leader and creates an environment of shared knowledge and purpose among the technology team.
Maintaining access to current technology-related best practices and disseminating information to other departments, school-based administrators, and teachers.
Completing mandated reports relating to areas of responsibility, including Virginia Department of Educational (VDOE) Technology requests.
Assisting in the planning and development of technology related professional development, including planning for the implementation of innovative practices and technology initiatives.
How important is family to you?
Extremely important! I have a wife and two boys. They are my life and the best things that have ever happened to me. I live and work for my family. Everything that I do is for them. My parents worked to ensure I understood the value of having a connected family from a young age.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
KB, Aha Gazelle, J. Monty, Nobigdyl, Jon Keith, 1K Phew, Andy Mineo, Lecrae, Joey Vantes, Trip Lee, Aaron Cole, Starringo, Tommy Zuko, Omah Lay, Burna Boy, Jonathan McReynolds, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, CeCe Winans, Sunday Service Choir, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Kirk Franklin, William McDowell and Shekinah Glory Ministry.
How would you describe your relationship with the City of Roanoke?
My relationship with the Star City has brought me a wife, kids, extended family, opportunities, scenic beauty, a church family, joy, a home and so much more. The only downfall is that they charge me personal property tax and highway usage taxes for trying to save the earth with a hybrid car.
Outside of your profession, what do your hobbies consist of?
Washing cars, writing sermons, playing with my kids, listening to music, going to the gym and continuing my educational journey.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of your family?
Mickey and Cathy Garland – They have both known me since my college days and consistently challenged me to grow in my faith, keeping Jesus at the center of all I do. They have consistently supported me financially, relationally, emotionally, mentally and by being present at any event that was meaningful to me. Mickey is someone who gives me hard feedback even when I don’t want to hear it, which helps me to grow.
Dr. Eric Anderson – He helped me to understand the K-12 industry, specifically how Roanoke City Public Schools operates. Not only that, but he helped me to realize how controlling I am and to release control, knowing that ultimately I am not in control of anything, God is. He has helped me to lean into my emotions and get better at talking about my feelings too.
Jean Francois – My college roommate, who turned into a best friend. He and I do not agree on many topics and challenge each other in all areas of our lives. This has challenged me to be confident in what I believe and who I am, which he highly values and respects. He has helped me to be grateful for varying perspectives.
Pastor Jon Laughinghouse – He has been a solid friend, mentor, and brother in Christ since I moved to Roanoke. He discipled me and helped me grow into a follower of Jesus. He married my wife and I and was there for the birth of my kids. He holds me accountable for being a man of God and encourages me along the way, consistently providing Godly wisdom, which has helped me think well about a vast number of situations.
Pastor Charles Wilson – He and his wife, Tranay, have been a powerhouse of support for me and my family, both individually and collectively. Charles is a wealth of knowledge and has the ability to peel back the layers of any situation and give you concrete advice on how to move forward being better and doing better. He is able to give me a differing perspective that helps shape my views, mostly on how to be a better husband in my marriage.
Sterlin Sanders – A brother from another mother, we have been doing life together since college. One of my first supervisors turned into a true accountability partner. We have challenged each other in our work habits and intellect, always trying to one-up each other. This has challenged me to grow in my technical knowledge and business acumen. He has helped me to realize, as a Black man, that I can succeed and make it in this world where we are often the only person of color in a room.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Chase after Jesus with all your heart, mind and soul. Be a leader. Stand up for yourself. Ask questions, build your knowledge of the world. Work on yourself first. Have a dream and chase after it.
