6-11-2024
Dr. Kelly Williams joined The City of Oklahoma City as their first Chief Innovation Officer in April of 2023. In this role she helps solve problems and improve efficiency across the city. She began her career as Oklahoma City University’s Director for Institutional Research, where she supported data-informed decision making and strategic planning across campus. She then served in a variety of leadership roles at the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, including a year as the agency’s Director, helping ensure that the Authority ran smoothly to support more than 350,000 licensed patients and more than 12,000 commercial licensees. After leaving OMMA, Williams served as the COO at the United Way of Central Oklahoma, supporting over 50 local non-profit partners addressing OKC’s most pressing needs.
Dr. Williams graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oklahoma City University before earning Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Quantitative Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. Williams currently serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Oklahoma City’s YLX program, which is dedicated to supporting rising youth leaders in the city, and as Co-Chair of the 2023-2024 cohort of their Leadership Skills program. Previously, she served five years on the Board of Directors at Family Builders, an agency focused on healing families that have experienced abuse, with terms as Board Vice President and President with the organization. She also served four years on the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Research and Community Initiatives Board.
Williams is a life-long Oklahoman and currently resides in Oklahoma City with her husband, two children, and three dogs.
Chair of the Day – Melissa Pepper
Vice President – Membership – Okla. City Chamber of Commerce