Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you Rod Williams for being a Black History Month spotlight! Check out The Williams Center for Wellness & Recovery and the great work they do on their website. Learn more about the Chamber’s DEIA Committee here.

Where were you born and raised and, if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?

I was born and raised in the deep South in a small city, Prichard, Alabama which is just outside the City of Mobile.  After attending and receiving my Bachelor’s Degree at Clark College, a HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia, I received my MPH from the University of Pittsburgh which led me to Virginia for a residency program in healthcare.  I joined Loudoun Hospital in 1995 which eventually became Inova Loudoun Hospital whereby I sharpened my healthcare leadership traits.  After several years as President/CEO of LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, a Level 1 Trauma Center, I returned to my love for Loudoun County and launched The Williams Center for Wellness and Recovery, having Loudoun Medical Group, PC as a very dynamic strategic partner.

Tell us about your business/nonprofit, and how long you’ve been in your industry.

Working in healthcare has been quite prescriptive for me, literally.  Growing up, I always had a bend toward serving and service, and I have always wanted to practice leadership in the healthcare setting. Watching my Grandmother work at the Villa Mercy Nursing Home during my childhood, it’s no surprise that my entry into healthcare was a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator!

Tell us about your business/nonprofit, and how long you’ve been in your industry.

The Williams Center for Wellness and Recovery is an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program that provides comprehensive care to patients who experience Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders.  Considered as cooccurring disorders, we provide evidence-based services that are trauma-informed and based upon each patient’s specific need.  This patient-centered approach conforms to the highest standards as outlined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and The Joint Commission.

How did you get into this line of work?

I have worked at the Executive Level in healthcare for over 20 years and find the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder sector an area of great need, and have a sizable opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life of those we will be privileged to serve is attractive to me.

What is the best part of your job and why?

When asked about the best part of my job, it’s namely two-fold:  the development of talent and next-level leaders, that is, building strong capable leaders that can sustain any vision that is chartered.  Secondly, it’s my days and evenings in the lobby of The Williams Center without the suit and tie, chatting it up and having real direct conversations with clients while encouraging them individually and collectively on their journey.  This brings me the greatest joy and sense of accomplishment, and each day affords me another opportunity to continue this journey.

What is it like doing business in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?

It is great to be able to launch a business in Loudoun County, given the supportive infrastructure that exists within so many areas of the county. Strong support from the Loudoun Chamber and their focus and support of small businesses is such a positive.  Additionally, the business acumen of the thought leaders and agencies in the community is vast and forward-thinking.  Resources and guidance are readily available.

Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?

My wife and two sons are indeed my greatest inspiration, as I get to share my successes and challenges with them each day.  Their encouragement to stay the course and get it right is a motivation that serves as a constant reminder of the important work that lies ahead of me. My family is the tie that binds.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Celebrating Black History each year is a reminder of the important contributions, creativity, acceleration, and genuineness of our role in shaping this country and our communities.  It speaks to those who have gone before us, Black American contributions that are engaged with us now, and the future black leaders that are emerging.  We have to continually give credence to each of the aforementioned clusters, acknowledging deeply rooted historical moments, while forging a strong path for future generations. The celebration of Black History affords us an opportunity to capitalize on these thoughts and ensure that our generations to come have a solid opportunity to do the same.

Favorite things to do when you are not working?

As for my favorite thing to do when not working, I try to keep my life’s formulas as simple as possible! I spend as much time as possible with my new Granddaughters.  Occasionally, it’s fishing with a few friends and family, or spending time with my son’s bird hunting. Mainly, I try to keep still and quietly digest the outdoors as much as possible, observing all the things that God has given us to be thankful for.

Thank you, Rod! Check out their website here.