Regina V.K. Williams, City Manager

Regina V.K. Williams has served as City Manager, Norfolk, Virginia, since January 19, 1999, As City Manager, Williams serves as the City’s Chief Executive Officer.

Formerly, Williams was City Manager for the City of San José, California. Earlier she was Assistant City Manager in San José for five years, spanning a total ten-year stay in San José.

Prior to serving in San José, Williams was Deputy City Manager and Chief of Staff for the City of Richmond, Virginia.

During the tenure of Virginia Governor Charles Robb, Williams served as State Director of Personnel and Training.

In addition to her Norfolk City Manager responsibilities, Williams was appointed to Governor Tim Kaine’s State Economic Development Advisory Steering Committee. Under Governor Mark Warner, she served on his Governor-Elect “Put Virginia First” Transition Committee which provided the governor-elect advice and consultation on putting his administration together as he took office. She also has served on Governor Mark Warner and Governor Tim Kaine’s Secure Virginia Panel which advises on the State’s homeland security and disaster plan.

Williams’ public administration career spans over 38 years, starting as Director of Personnel and Labor Relations for the City of Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Regina Williams was born in Detroit, Michigan, and educated in Detroit’s public school system. Graduating from high school at age 16, she attended Eastern Michigan University, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in English and Sociology. She later received a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has taken numerous post graduate leadership and business management courses, and she is a certified MBTI facilitator.

In 1991 Mrs. Williams was inducted as a fellow into the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). Chartered by the U. S. Congress, NAPA elects a limited number of individuals with distinguished records of performance as either a practitioner or a scholar in public administration and management. Williams also serves on numerous professional and civic boards. Williams serves on the Boards of Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia, Inc. and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia.

Williams has been recognized and received many awards in recognition of professional achievements and community involvement.

Sponsored by the United States Aid to Developing Countries (US-AID), Williams has provided management training and public administration consultant services to several cities in South Africa and Quito, Ecuador. She also has served as guest lecturer at Harvard and Stanford Universities and been an adjunct faculty member at several universities and the National Fire Training Academy.

Williams is the widow of Drew B. Williams who passed away in January 2008. They were married for forty years and have 3 children and 11 grandchildren. She is a grand master porcelain doll artist and regularly competes internationally in the making of dolls. She also paints in water color medium and is an avid reader and writer.