City of Arlington Selects Troy V. Williams for Newly Created Chief Equity Officer Role

By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication

Posted on June 16, 2022, June 16, 2022

After a national search, the City of Arlington has selected Troy V. Williams for the newly created chief equity officer role to oversee planning, development and administration of the City’s diversity, equity and inclusion engagement initiatives.

The creation of a chief equity officer position was among the recommendations of the citizen-led Unity Council. In February 2021, the Unity Council presented a 132-page racial equity plan to the Arlington City Council that focused on addressing economic disparities, education and workforce training, housing, health and wellness and policing and criminal justice.

Williams completed a 20-year career with the Department of Justice and most recently, he served as the chief diversity officer for Baltimore County, Maryland, where he operationalized the county’s first Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He will begin his new role in Arlington on July 11.

“The creation of a chief equity officer role is one of the many ways we are demonstrating our commitment to implementing our citizens’ recommendations to improve equity, equality and unity throughout Arlington,” City Manager Trey Yelverton said. “Troy has the experience, skills and passion for public service to help us identify new improved policies and best practices and to remove barriers so we can create a more inclusive, welcoming city for our employees, residents, stakeholders, and business community.”

Williams’ work will include addressing the focus areas outlined in the Unity Council’s report as well as working inside the City’s organization and within the community to develop and maintain equitable and inclusive practices. Broadly speaking, those initiatives include organizational education and process assessment, talent acquisition, on-boarding, compensation and succession practices, resident services, fair housing and MWBE/HUB purchasing and procurement activities.

Additionally, Williams will oversee the City’s Office of Business Diversity, will have a significant hand in grant administration and will serve as the primary liaison to the Unity Council. The chief equity officer will also work closely with the City’s executive team and department heads to assess and develop key performance indicators for its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, programs and practices.

Williams read the Unity Council report and met with Unity Council Chair Dr. Jason Shelton, city and community leaders and city employees during the interview process.

“Arlington has clearly demonstrated a commitment to equity, from both its community stakeholder groups and government leadership,” Williams said. “The city has set the tone and prioritized the work to ensure we are meeting the needs of every segment of the community. When you are starting from that place, we can anticipate impactful outcomes.”

Williams’ work in Baltimore County as the county’s first chief diversity officer included the creation of the county’s first DEI statement, restructuring the county’s MBE/WBE business unit, establishing employee affinity groups and Community DEI advisory councils.

“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is really about community engagement, relationship building and creating feedback opportunities to better understand the needs of everyone we serve,” Williams said. “It’s about advancing policies and practices that remove barriers and empower all Arlington residents and stakeholders to be full partners in our continued growth and success.”

Williams holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law, a Master of Public Administration – Executive leadership from the American University, a Master of Adult Education – Administration from Coppin State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Howard University.