43
Ex-Youngstown mayor takes job as head of Conn. community foundation
YOUNGSTOWN
Former Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams will not run for Ohio governor in 2018 and instead will become the president of a Hartford, Conn., charitable organization July 17.
“This is a highly regarded organization, and I’m excited to have this opportunity,” he said. “My experience and knowledge will help me in this new position. It was a natural fit. I’ll be serving the public, but from a different platform.”
Williams will head the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, a community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities. It has awarded $720 million in grants since it was founded in 1925. The foundation provides funding for education, health, quality of life and social issues and programs.
Williams told The Vindicator in January he was giving serious consideration to running for the Democratic nomination for Ohio governor, and was mulling a few other job opportunities.
“There was no ah-ha moment that I’ll do this and not run for governor,” Williams said. “I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy race, but I certainly felt we would have made a compelling case. I wouldn’t have put myself in a position [to seek the office] if I didn’t think I could be competitive.”
Williams served as Youngstown mayor from January 2006 to August 2011. He then joined President Barack Obama’s administration as executive director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers. While keeping that position, he also served as deputy director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs from June 2012 to May 2013.
He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in May 2014 as U.S. Economic Development Administration administrator, also known as assistant secretary of commerce for economic development. He held that post until Jan. 20 when the presidential administration changed. He’s done some consulting work since.
Williams sold his Youngstown house in 2013 and has been a resident of Silver Spring, Md., since then. He’s in the process of moving to the Hartford area.
Williams “is the right person, at the right time and the right place. Jay has a track record of strong leadership, innovation, community and economic development and public/private partnerships,” said JoAnn H. Price, Hartford Foundation board chairwoman. “He brings a long list of accomplishments and sound skills that will help move the foundation’s new vision and strategic focus forward.”
Announced Democratic candidates for Ohio governor are state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton of Copley, ex-state Rep. Connie Pillich of Montgomery and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.