Ron Williams, a 14-Year, U.S. Air Force, Highly-Decorated, Desert Storm/Cold War Veteran , was recently named, Mesa, Arizona's "Man of the Year. He is a Humanitarian, Community Servant, and Business Owner. After (6) years as the President/CEO of the Arizona Chapter of the NMSDC, in June 2010, Ron became the Owner of Contacts to Contracts, LLC , (Serviced Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business). He is a Former, 9-Year Equity Managing Partner/Owner/Operator of a Coffee, Food & Wine Restaurant at Phoenix Sky Harbor Int’l Airport, Terminal 4), and is currently a Partner/Owner of 3 Retail Stores at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. He’s an “Executive on Loan” with, Non-Profit “Streets of Joy”. As Owner of Board Training, LLC, he also provides confidential Board Governance Training for Non-Profits and Governing Bodies. Ron excels in: Marketing, Strategic Partnering, Business Development & Training, and has an immense background in Human Relations. He effectively ran (3) Statewide Business Development Agencies in Arizona and possesses over (38+) years of military/private sector business experience, assisting firms in winning Billions of Dollars in contracts
*His other Executive Level Experiences include:
*U.S. Air Force Contracting/Purchasing & Procurement Officer (Federal, State & Local Contracts) *Executive Program Manager -Arizona Procurement Technical Assistance Network (Arizona PTAC) *Executive Director - Arizona Native American Business Development Center (Native American MBDA) *Equal Opportunity Specialist - City of Phoenix - Business Certifications, and Liaison to the Mayor’s Human Relations Commission, and Outreach Team Leader for the Business Relations Section.
*His other Executive Level Experiences include:
*U.S. Air Force Contracting/Purchasing & Procurement Officer (Federal, State & Local Contracts)
*Executive Manager -Arizona Procurement Technical Assistance Network (Arizona PTAC)
*Executive Director - Arizona Native American Business Development Center (Native American MBDA)
*Equal Opportunity Specialist - City of Phoenix - M/W/S/DBE Business Certifications, and Liaison to the Mayor’s Human Relations Commission, and Outreach Team Leader for the Business Relations Section.
Ron’s Business & Community Awards include:
~ “Don Eagle NCCJ Humanitarian of the Year Award” – National Conference for Community and Justice
~Finalist -“Community Advocate of the Year Award” - Black Chamber of Arizona
~“Leadership Award” - Women in Transportation Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter
~Arizona “Living the Dream Award”- Phoenix Human Relations Commission
~“Minority Business Advocate of the Year” – Arizona Minority Business Enterprise Center operated by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, funded by the Minority Business Development Agency
~One of “100 Men Impacting Supplier Diversity” in the United States; National recognition in the October 15, 2006 edition of Minority Business USA National Magazine.
~Most Influential Business Leader - Business Journal - Arizona’s “Power People”, Power Magazine.
~Finalist - "Director of the Year Award" – from the Organization for Non-Profit Executives
~"Outstanding Community Advocate of the Year Award" – Salt River Project; Named a Supplier Diversity All Star for Dedication & Commitment to the development of diverse businesses
~"Legacy Award" - United Latino Business Coalition (ULBC) Excellence in Business Awards
~"Community Partnership Award" - Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBEC-West)
~“100 Influential People of Minority Economic Development” in the United States; as published in the National Magazine “Minority Business USA”
~Veora E. Johnson Spirit of Unity Award for “The Promotion of Inclusion” - East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee
~“Entrepreneurial Success Award” – The Black Chamber of Arizona
~“Salute to Service Award” – AGC Collector’s Club of Arizona
~”Veteran Impact Award” – The National Veterans Opportunity Coalition
~Arizona – “Lifetime Achievement Award”- Phoenix Human Relations Commission
~”Productive Business Community Game Changer Award”–iChange Nations Productive Business Summit
~Veteran Medical Leadership Group – “Desert Storm/Cold War Award Honoree” - U.S Air Force Veteran
~Chief Kenneth Ray Hill - ”Armed Services Award” – Chandler Men of Action, 10th African American Banquet
~Arizona Veterans "Hall of Fame" Inductee - Class of 2022
~"Impact Award Honoree" Pacific Southwest MSDC - To the Power of 30 Anniversary Gala
~Mike Whalen - "Spirit of Community Service Award" - Visit Mesa
~"Humanitarian Award" - Arizona's Million Dollar Mingle
~"Man of the Year" City of Mesa
CURRENTLY: . *Board Secretary - Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society. *Board Chairperson - Mesa For All Foundation. *Chairperson – Arizona MLK Jr. Celebration Committee Events/Activities. *Community Advisory Board Member, Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA). *Board Secretary – Visit Mesa. Board Vice Chair – Mesa Police Foundation. *Advisory Board Member - Boost a Foster Family. *President - The National Veterans Opportunity Coalition.
PAST: *Chairperson - City of Mesa, General Plan Advisory Committee. *Founder - The National Veterans Opportunity Coalition. *2-Year Board President - (8 Years Total Board Member) - Child Crisis Arizona Board. *Chairperson - City of Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board.*Founding Board Member – AZ Dream Builder Foundation. *Expert Advisor - “The World’s Best Connectors”. *Member – Arizona Hates Crimes Task Force. Board Member - Arizona Attorney General’s African American Advisory Group. *Member - Arizona/Mexico Commission. *Volunteer President - HEROZONA Foundation. A highly sought out Speaker and Singer/Vocalist.