DURHAM, NC—Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) Founding Member and Chair Emeritus Mr. Carl Chanson Williams passed away at the age of 84, on July 2, 2022. Mr. Williams of Durham, North Carolina, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

With a Bachelor of Science degree from State University of New York-Brockport and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rochester, Mr. Williams’ career included duties as Manager, Finance Systems, for the Xerox Corporation, in Rochester, NY; Director, Information Management, American Can Company, Greenwich, CT; and Vice President, Information Technology, for the Amoco Corporation in Chicago, IL prior to its merger with BP in 1998. 

Mr. Williams served as an executive director for Concerned Association Rochester, New York, 1971-1975; board of directors for Stamford Community Arts Council, 1983-1984; as a trustee with Roosevelt University, 1995-1997 and University of Rochester, since 1999; and he served with the Executive Leadership Foundation, since 2000.

Mr. Williams also was a member of the Executive Leadership Council since 1993; member of the Society for Information Management (executive council 1980-1983, president 1985, president council since 1986); and served with the Executive Leadership Council on its foundation board of trustees. He was an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University, since 1991.

Mr. Williams is survived by his wife Clare; his daughter Ryan Michelle Bathé; his son-in-law Sterling K. Brown; his grandchildren, Andrew and Amaré Brown; and his sisters, Juanita Collins and Sylvia Torrey.

In lieu of flowers, the family desires that donations be made directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

About ITSMF

The Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF), formed in 1996, began with a conversation between a few prominent technology executives who discovered that only 3% of information technology management roles were held by Black professionals. Studies suggested that not enough Black professionals were positioned for senior-level technology positions. This discussion sparked those executives, most of whom were CIOs of major corporations, to action as they were compelled to reach, teach and nurture aspiring technology professionals.

Under the leadership of Mr. Carl Williams, this IRS 501(c)(3) organization began recruiting Black professionals who ranked among the Who’s Who in technology, along with companies and individuals that boldly dared to disrupt the status quo and seek more diversity, equity and inclusion among technology executives.

For over 25 years, ITSMF has remained the premier national organization dedicated exclusively to cultivating executive talent among Black technology professionals. The organization is extremely proud of their history, encouraged by today’s progress and excited about the work still needed to fulfill tomorrow’s promises.

^{— Source and photos: ITSMF}

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