Dr. David L. Williams

Dr. David Williams is a graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where he received both a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Public Administration Degree. In addition, Dr. Williams received his Doctoral Degree from Gardner-Webb University where his primary research focus was on community engagement, organizational development and leadership, and how county zoning can have a net positive impact on economic development in a rural county in North Carolina. David has close to 30 years of city and county land use planning, as well as senior level management experience including zoning application and interpretation. Currently, he works in the Gaston County (NC) Manager’s Office as Community Affairs and Development Administrator where he facilitated strategic planning, serves as the county representative for county transportation planning initiatives, intergovernmental relations, minority community engagement, and assigned special projects. In addition, he works with the Gaston County Visioning 2040 project, project managed the Interagency and Intergovernmental Task Force for Homelessness in Gaston County; serves as the Minority and Women Business Outreach Coordinator for the MWBE/HUB Program; led Gaston County Census 2000/2010/2020 Operations and Promotion; and other various related community initiatives. Previously, for 15 years approximately (2006-2020), Dr. Williams was the Director of Planning and Development Services for Gaston County, NC, where he directed all activities related to the County Land Use Planning Program. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) with the American Planning Association (APA). He is also a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) with the National Development Council (NDC). He is a military veteran of Operation Desert Storm. His civic duty includes serving on the city of Gastonia Zoning Board of Adjustment for 12 years; Chairman of the Board of the United Way of Gaston County; and coaching high school varsity girls basketball and soccer for 8 years at a local charter school. David enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters (Cierra, Courtney, and Cydney, twin granddaughters, and family dog “Ivy Boone,” as well as visiting the mountains.