See Frank William’s Commencement Address »
White Plains, NY – The College of Westchester celebrated its 106th Commencement Ceremony at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown on Thursday, June 2nd. Executive Director of the White Plains Youth Bureau Frank Williams Jr. delivered an inspirational Keynote Address to college graduates.
As Director, Mr. Williams is responsible for developing, coordinating, managing, and promoting a wide variety of youth development programming that enhances the health, workforce development and career readiness of White Plains youth. Under his leadership, the White Plains Youth Bureau is recognized as a national model agency that provides pathways and opportunities for youth to grow, succeed and reach their goals. His tremendous experience will serve as a great inspiration to our graduates.
Frank Williams, Jr. was born in Canton, Mississippi. His parents, Frank and Jewel Williams, were role models growing up and served as great influencers for his career path. They both were active in the Civil Rights Movement. His mother was the first Black female elected to the City’s Board of Alderman.
Currently, Frank serves as the Executive Director of the White Plains Youth Bureau, a position he has held for the last twenty years. He is responsible for the administration of one of the premiere youth agencies in New York State and providing services to more than 2,000 White Plains youth each day offering nearly 60 programs and services.
Frank’s 36-year career with the White Plains Youth has created a level of respect, innovation and broad quality of programming that has earned the White Plains Youth Bureau the title of National Model Agency by the U.S. Department of Education. Frank’s many community involvements includes President of the Passage to Excellence Corporation, President of the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus, Co-Chairman of the City of White Plains My Brother’s Keeper, Chairman of the Westchester County Fathering Advisory Committee, Co-Chairman of Grandpas United, Member of the Business Council of Westchester Foundation Board, Member of the Jacob Burns Center Board of Directors, Member of the Hudson Valley Youth Bureau Association, Member of the Westchester County Campaign for Kids, Member of the Black Scholars Community Partnership, Member of the Westchester County Taskforce on Children and Family Services, Member of the New York Metropolitan Tougaloo College Alumni Association, Member of the Beta Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Deacon of Bethel Baptist Church.
Frank’s work with youth has also impacted children in Africa. As former President of Esther’s Aid, a relief organization supporting children in Rwanda, Africa, the organization provided funds and resources that benefited children impacted by the countries ongoing conflict. He has also been instrumental in directing funds and resources to children in South Africa and Kenya.
Frank has received over 100 awards for his service to the community. He has received New York’s highest youth development award, the Bill Bud Award; Community Leader Award from former President Barack Obama for Fatherhood Initiative; Family Ties of Westchester Children Award; Friends of the White Plains Youth Bureau Empower Award; Certificate of Merit National Recognition Community Development Award, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; White Plains Greenburgh NAACP W.E.B. Education Award, Westchester County Office of the County Executive, Distinguish Service Award; Beta Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Man of the Year Award; City of White Plains Public Safety Award; Tougaloo College National Alumni Association Hall of Fame Award and many others.
Frank has touched the lives of youth, young adults and senior citizens throughout this nation and abroad. He wouldn’t trade anything for his journey.
Frank holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University, New York City, a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Mississippi, as well as an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters from the College of Westchester, White Plains, New York.
Frank is a resident of Greenburgh, New York. He is married to the former Ann Elizabeth Stinson. They have two daughters, Timeka and Cherylyn, and one grandson, John Berryhill IV.