Courtney D. Williams

Courtney D. Williams has extensive work experience in communications and marketing roles. Courtney D. began their career as a General Assignment Reporter at WRDW News 12 Augusta in 2000. Courtney D. then worked as a Trauma Marketing Contractor at Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics from 2003-2004. Following this, they served as the Human Resources Communication Editor at Catherines Stores Corporation in 2004-2005. From 2005-2010, they worked at International Paper, first as a Communications Specialist and later as a Mill Communications Manager, where they developed and implemented strategic communications for senior business leaders and provided communication training and media relations counsel to field staff.

In 2010-2014, Courtney worked at Exelon, first as a Manager in Marketing & Communications, where they managed media-related inquiries, community relations programs, and developed messages for executives. Later, they became the Senior Manager of Internal Communications, building strategic communication plans and managing organizational-wide messaging.

From 2014-2018, Courtney worked at Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, first as the Assistant Director of Internal Communications, overseeing internal communications and managing student engagement events. Later, they became the Associate Director of Student Experience, developing key concepts of student experience and resolving issues with administration.

Most recently, Courtney has been a part of the Obama Foundation since 2018. Courtney D. started as the Communications Manager and has progressed to Deputy Director of Communications and currently serves as the Director of Communications. In this role, they are responsible for overseeing the Foundation's Communications Team, leading internal and external communications, and spearheading strategic communications to generate earned media and promote the Foundation's goals. Courtney D. has collaborated directly with principals on large-scale events and has been involved in various media appearances and specials.

Courtney D. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University. They later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Marketing from The University of Memphis. Courtney also received additional education from Northwestern University, where they completed the School of Professional Studies program in Negotiations for Professionals. Additionally, they participated in the Executive Education program at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, focusing on Energizing People for Performance. Courtney D. Williams has also obtained various certifications, including "Content Strategy for Professionals: Engaging Audiences" from Coursera Course Certificates, "Crisis Communication Workshop" from Northwestern University School of Communication, and "Northwestern University Leadership Fundamentals Programs" from the Center for Creative Leadership.