Ray Williams, 2019-2020

Ray Williams was born in Winston Salem, NC, and grew up in Rochester, NY.  He received his undergraduate BA from Colgate University where he was an All American Swimmer and his MBA in Finance from Columbia University.  He will serve as Rotary District Governor for the year 2019-2020.

Ray began his career at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City, and after seven years moved on to become Executive Vice President of Union Bank, headquartered in California, “At Union Bank, I learned that people will work well together if they understand exactly what’s expected of them. When we implemented a system where expectations were clear, people began having fun and very productive.” Ray has since implemented his models at banks in London, Washington, and Ft. Lauderdale where he served in varying capacities including EVP, General Manager, and President.

Since leaving banking in 1993, he’s worked in real estate, marketing, and started his own consulting firm, Legendary Service Group, where he enjoys helping businesses find their focus and winning strategies.”

Ray has served on several local boards including American Diabetes Association, Valley Bank, First Presbyterian Church, Church by the Sea, Museum of Art, Salvation Army, and as an Executive Partner at Flannigan High School, and as President and CEO of United Way of Broward County.  His Rotary experience started with the Rotary Club of San Jose California in 1979. He first joined the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale in 1989 and then again in 1996.  He has served his club as President and in the District he has been an AG, facilitator for the District’s Strategic Plan in 2010 and is an RLI Discussion Leader.  He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a Paul Harris Society Member.

Ray has been married to Susie for 49 years and they have 2 daughters, Amy Smith and Jen Roman, and 2 grandchildren.