Kathryn (Kathy) Williams brings three decades of experience in sales management at firms including Oracle, Citrix, and Ellucian (formerly SunGard Higher Education). During her professional career supporting clients in higher education, Williams developed extensive knowledge of business management, program development, technology, and corporate philanthropy. She also brings long-standing relationships with community colleges constituents through her work with Ellucian. Williams also supported legislative advocacy work for her clients, including the California Community Colleges Student Success Initiative.

Since retiring in 2014, Williams served as the founder and president of the Saint Jude Tuition Fund Corporation, a non-profit organization that supports first-generation college students and provides aid to refugees pursuing post-secondary education. Williams is devoted to expanding access to college—especially for women and first-generation college students—guided by the belief that an educated world is a peaceful world. 

Williams’ education includes a degree in aerospace technology from Indiana State University. She resides in Alpine, California, and enjoys spending time with her daughter, grandson, and large extended family.