Board of Directors

Mr. Williams devoted his entire professional career to the human and scientific exploration of the Earth, our solar system, and the universe beyond. After a 32-year career at NASA, he continues to serve the agency and its partners in a consulting capacity. Mr. Williams began his NASA career planning operations for what became the International Space Station and serving as the operations representative on the international agreements negotiating team that led to the world’s largest endeavor in scientific exploration. For over a dozen years, Mr. Williams led strategic planning and policy integration for NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise during the development and deployment of the Earth Observing System of satellites that have told us much of what we now know about climate change. For the next seven years, Mr. Williams led strategic planning for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate which spans the space and Earth sciences, including the robotic Mars Exploration Program and Astrophysics missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope. In the final phase of his NASA career, Mr. Williams served as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Policy & Plans for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, which managed NASA’s entire human exploration portfolio including Moon and Mars exploration planning, systems development for what is now the Artemis program, operation of the International Space Station, and conduct of the Space Communications & Navigation and Exploration Advanced Systems Development programs.

Mr. Williams was appointed to the Federal government’s Senior Executive Service and is a recipient of NASA’s Distinguish Service Medal, Outstanding Leadership Medal, and Exceptional Service Medal. Mr. Williams holds Master of Science degree in Public Administration & Policy Analysis from Carnegie-Mellon University (1985) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Washington (1981). He will complete requirements for a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Regent College (Vancouver, BC) in 2023.

Throughout his career, Mr. Williams led organizations that developed and conducted public communications and formal and informal education on NASA’s missions and scientific findings, and has spoken to numerous K-12 classes and continuing education forums. Having returned to the Tri-Cities, Mr. Williams is excited to see SILAS Education engage students and STEM educators, and to assist in growing SILAS’ reach and impact for the benefit of the Tri-Cities community and youth.