Sister Souurce Conversations – Marva E. Williams, PhD, Member of the UUA 2023 Presidential Search Committee
The Presidential Search Committee (PSC) may not be a familiar topic of discussion. Yet, it should be! Summer 2023 is right around the corner. As Unitarian Universalists, we will be expected to select a new UUA President to serve a six-year term. While many may feel that current President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray has done an excellent job, she cannot run for a second term. We observe Rev. Susan in many places doing important things, and some may ask, “What exactly does the UUA President do? What is their role?” Carey McDonald, the UUA’s Executive Vice President, succinctly summarizes the role as follows: “The UUA’s president is the spiritual voice, the public face, and the executive leader of the Unitarian Universalist movement.” [1]
Here at Sister Souurce, Inc. we interviewed Marva E. Williams, PhD, a member of the PSC, to get you up to speed in time for the upcoming presidential debates. These debates will occur when the PSC announces its presidential candidates to the UUA Board of Directors.
Watch the video interview – click here
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[1] Suzanne Morse. UUA Website. UUA Reaches Key Milestone in Search Process for New President.
Marva E. Williams, PhD
Dr. Williams has a 30-year history in applied research and the practice of community development. Currently a consultant in the Philadelphia region for several advocacy projects, she holds Master’s and PhD degrees in urban planning and public policy. In addition, she is an adjunct at University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers-Camden, teaching community development, alleviation of poverty and research methods. She was an Economic Development Director for the Community Development and Policy Studies division of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and was selected by LaSalle Bank to receive the Tom Gobby Community Leadership Award for her commitment to helping lower-income households access the financial mainstream and develop assets. She is also a former trustee of two Chicago area foundations and numerous non-profit agencies.