Eric T. Williams
Durham
Summary
Strategic executive leader with over 20 years of experience advising CEOs and boards on organizational transformation. Specializes in guiding leadership transitions and developing high-performing teams. Aligns strategy, culture, and operations to drive sustainable growth and enhance governance practices across national networks.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & CEO
Selah Consulting, LLC
Durham
11.2023 - Current
- Founded leadership advisory practice to enhance leadership capacity and improve organizational structure and strategic effectiveness.
- Advised CEOs and governing boards on leadership development and strategic growth initiatives, fostering sustainable organizational success.
- Collaborated with organizations to design leadership systems and structures that strengthened operational impact.
- Facilitated executive retreats and leadership workshops for strategic planning and development.
- Provided coaching and advisory support to leaders during organizational transitions and cultural transformations.
Professional and Personal Sabbatical
Career Break
Durham
04.2023 - 11.2023
- Conducted a planned sabbatical to regroup following extensive leadership during the pandemic.
Emphasized travel volunteering alongside personal wellness pursuits.
Invested in professional development and crafted long-term career goals.
Initiated an executive consulting business focused on empowering mission-driven leaders.
Senior Director, Executive Leadership & CEO Search
YMCA of the USA
Chicago
01.2019 - 04.2023
- Led national executive search and CEO succession initiatives for prominent nonprofit network, enhancing leadership effectiveness.
- Directed executive search projects for leading YMCA associations, collaborating with boards to secure top-tier CEO appointments.
- Provided counsel on leadership succession strategies and best governance practices to boards.
- Facilitated CEO transitions and onboarding processes, ensuring seamless integration of new leadership teams.
- Oversaw development of national team dedicated to recruitment and nurturing talent pipelines.
Region Director, CEO Search
YMCA of the USA
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Partnered with boards of directors to refine CEO recruitment and succession processes, enhancing alignment with organizational goals.
- Led executive leadership searches across regional YMCA networks, improving candidate quality and fit.
- Facilitated stakeholder collaboration to ensure leadership selection met community needs and priorities.
- Acted as facilitator for leadership development at national conferences and institutes.
Chief Talent Officer (Vice President – Human Resources)
YMCA of Central Maryland
Baltimore
04.2013 - 01.2016
- Contributed to executive leadership team for $60M nonprofit organization, enhancing strategic direction for over 2,500 employees and communities across Maryland.
- Strategic advisor to CEO and Board of Directors on organizational leadership, culture, and workforce strategy
- Directed human capital strategy, compensation, professional development, and talent acquisition functions
- Led enterprise leadership development initiatives, employee engagement strategies, and organizational culture transformation
- Led team supporting leaders across multiple business units, fostering collaboration and alignment with organizational goals.
Regional Director of Human Resources
Davidson Hotels & Resorts
Atlanta
01.2011 - 03.2013
- Developed and executed leadership development initiatives and workforce planning strategies to strengthen talent management
- Provided leadership oversight for workforce strategy and organizational development across a portfolio of twelve hotels with approximately 1,800 employees.
- Collaborated with regional leadership teams to facilitate growth, streamline acquisitions, and enhance operational effectiveness
- Consulted with executive leaders on organizational culture, employee engagement, and compliance to foster a positive work environment
Director of Human Resources
Davidson Hotels & Resorts
Annapolis
04.2007 - 01.2011
- Developed and implemented employee engagement initiatives, improving morale and retention across multiple hotel properties.
- Managed workforce operations, enhancing efficiency and developing leadership programs for full-service hotel property.
- Managed recruitment processes, including job postings and candidate screening.
- Facilitated training sessions to enhance staff skills and ensure compliance with company policies.
Regional Director of Human Resources
Pyramid Hotel Group
Boston
11.2006 - 04.2007
- Led strategic HR initiatives across multiple locations, enhancing collaboration with leadership to align objectives.
- Created metrics and reports to evaluate progress toward HR objectives, facilitating data-driven decision-making.
- Served as liaison between corporate headquarters and regional offices, ensuring alignment of HR strategies to support business goals.
Director of Human Resources
Pyramid Hotel Group
Framingham
01.2006 - 11.2006
- Created and executed human resources policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Partnered with management to resolve employee relations issues and conflicts, fostering a more positive work environment.
- Tracked regulatory changes to maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, minimizing legal risks.
Human Resources Leadership Roles
Marriott International
Bethesda
01.2003 - 01.2006
Education
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Greensboro, NCSkills
- Organizational leadership and strategy
- Strategic planning and alignment
- Organizational transformation
- Executive leadership development
- Board governance and executive partnership
- Executive search and CEO succession
- Stakeholder engagement
- Culture and organizational effectiveness
- Cross-sector leadership
Leadership Development And Community Engagement
- DurhamCares, Journey2Thirving Cohort Participant
- Leadership Development Executive Lead, The River Church
- Executive Coach, YMCA Multicultural Executive Development Institute
- Leadership Development Facilitator, Regional YMCA Leadership Conferences
- Volunteer, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
- Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Member, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Governance And Board Engagement
- Board Member, Creative Stepping Stones, Inc.
- Board Member, Li V Mahob Theatre Company
- Advisory Council, Fertile Ground Salon, LLC
- Human Resources Committee Member, NeighborUp (merger of Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry)
- Advisor to Governing Boards
Timeline
Founder & CEO
Selah Consulting, LLC
11.2023 - Current
Professional and Personal Sabbatical
Career Break
04.2023 - 11.2023
Senior Director, Executive Leadership & CEO Search
YMCA of the USA
01.2019 - 04.2023
Region Director, CEO Search
YMCA of the USA
01.2016 - 01.2019
Chief Talent Officer (Vice President – Human Resources)
YMCA of Central Maryland
04.2013 - 01.2016
Regional Director of Human Resources
Davidson Hotels & Resorts
01.2011 - 03.2013
Director of Human Resources
Davidson Hotels & Resorts
04.2007 - 01.2011
Regional Director of Human Resources
Pyramid Hotel Group
11.2006 - 04.2007
Director of Human Resources
Pyramid Hotel Group
01.2006 - 11.2006
Human Resources Leadership Roles
Marriott International
01.2003 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University