The right direction
WILLIAMS FOR SUPERVISOR
For a vibrant and sustainable future through collaborative, visionary leadership, strategic initiatives, and forward-thinking policies, Williams aims to unlock the full potential of Pocahontas County, ensuring sustainability and improved quality of life for generations to come.
Ready to serve District 1- Des Moines, Roosevelt, Cummins, Powhatan, Garfield & Sherman Townships, portions of Center Townships and the communities of Havelock, Plover, and Rolfe.
About her
Life-long resident ready for proactive change instead of status quo.
Emily grew up on a farm in rural Havelock and attended Laurens-Marathon CSD until she graduated in 2007. She went on to attend Iowa State University in Ames, IA. After graduating from Iowa State University three years later in 2010, she started full time employment and gained valuable work experience in very large and successful organizations such as Iowa State University and Buena Vista University.
Over the past 14 years, she has served in roles such as Executive Assistant, Director of Operations, and spent two years working in Pocahontas County Economic Development, learning about rural growth initiatives from state-wide organizations and like-minded individuals. In 2022, she was selected to serve on the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Task Force after writing a grant application to launch the Jump-Start Accelerator Grant which provides funds to new or expanding local businesses. The grant program is now replicated across the State. She currently works out of her home assisting executives from across the United States. Her extremely flexible schedule allows her to volunteer and be where she needs to be for her kids’ activities. Emily and her husband also own and operate a local farming operation. She resides in the same area she grew up (rural Havelock) with her 3 children.
Why is Williams running?
As a working professional and business owner in her mid-30s with young children in the school district, Emily wants to ensure that Pocahontas County remains strong, vibrant, and relevant in today’s society. As we watch some of the surrounding counties grow, we need to make sure that Pocahontas County is doing the same and not losing residents to other counties that have more to offer.
While working in Economic Development in 2019-2022, she got to experience how county leadership works and quickly found that the best way to change the trajectory of our position is with elected leaders who are proactive and constantly thinking about the future. If we don’t have leaders who care about and put a consistent effort in paving the path for a successful future, growth will be extremely difficult. Status quo is just not working for us anymore. It is time to come together and form a strategic vision of where we want to be in 10-15 years and create a plan for how we are going to get there.
The time is right for new, fresh leadership with a deep connection to the younger generation. In fact, Emily and her family depend on it. Her kids are 8, 4, and 2. Her stake in the short-term and long-term future of this county has never been stronger.
Priorities
Quality of Life Enhancements
- Enhance the quality of life by investing in amenities and services that attract and retain residents and support local businesses. Emily will work with the local chambers and economic development office to find creative ways to boost quality of life.
- Improve access to healthcare, education, recreational facilities, and cultural opportunities, ensuring that residents have the resources they need to thrive without having to travel long distances.
Collaborative Planning and Partnerships
- Engage stakeholders, including residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, in collaborative strategic planning processes to identify priorities and implement solutions for rural growth.
- Foster partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions, regional organizations, and state and federal agencies to leverage resources and maximize impact in rural development efforts.
Business and Job Creation
- Foster a supportive environment for small businesses and entrepreneurship, expanding resources and incentives for startups and expansion. The County already has the Jump-Start Grant program available, and we need to continue to enhance this program and market this more widely.
- Work with businesses and industry to jointly repurpose unused buildings to provide multi-family housing units to help solve the housing shortage for our workforce while also eliminating the number of dilapidated buildings in our county.
Workforce Development and Training
- Expand workforce development programs tailored to the needs of rural industries, providing training and skills development opportunities for residents.
- Strengthen partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and workforce agencies to continue creating unique pathways to employment and career advancement.
Agricultural Support and Innovation
- Strengthen support for local farmers and agricultural producers.
- There’s no denying that ag plays a huge role in rural Iowa. Emily hopes to brainstorm ways for young farmers to survive in the current competitive environment so they will stick around and raise their families here.
- Promote agricultural innovation and sustainability practices that enhance productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship.
County Employee Appreciation
- Create a work environment where employees feel valued, appreciated, and celebrated.
- Invest in employee training and development so employees have the tools they need to provide the best possible customer service to county residents.
Work Experience
Emily is a dedicated and seasoned Executive Assistant with over 14 years of experience providing top-notch administrative support to C-level executives. She’s known for exceptional organizational skills, unwavering discretion, and a keen ability to streamline operations in fast-paced environments. She is adept at managing complex calendars, coordinating high-profile meetings, planning events, and handling confidential information with the utmost professionalism.
-Technology Proficiency: Skilled in utilizing various office productivity tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and project management software such as Trello, Slack, and Basecamp. Experience assisting content creators with podcast production, website management, marketing, and course creation using programs like Kajabi, Squarespace, Riverside.fm, and WordPress.
-Administrative Excellence: Proven track record of managing administrative tasks seamlessly, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and optimizing executive efficiency.
-Calendar Management: Expertise in coordinating complex schedules, organizing meetings, and anticipating needs to facilitate optimal time management for executives.
-Communication Mastery: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated in drafting emails, preparing reports, and maintaining clear and concise correspondence. Track record of writing winning grant applications to launch the Jump-Start Accelerator Grant and Pocahontas County Leadership program.
-Confidentiality: Recognized for handling sensitive information with discretion and maintaining confidentiality in all interactions.
-Problem-Solving: Adept at anticipating challenges and implementing effective solutions to ensure executive objectives are met.
-Creative thinking: Emily thrives on solving problems with creative solutions. She is a true visionary with the ability to pay special attention to the details.
POSITIONS HELD
Executive Assistant/Chief of Staff
Self Employed 2021-Present
Currently self-employed serving as Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant for executives across the United States. Wears many hats to make her executives’ lives as streamlined and simple as possible.
Economic Development WOrk Experience
2019-2022 Pocahontas County Workforce Marketing Coordinator
Developed and implemented marketing strategies and campaigns aimed at attracting and retaining talent for businesses within the region. Helped Iowa Central Community College launch the Northwest Career Academy in Laurens which provides hands on training and apprenticeship programs for high school students and adults.
Created county-wide grant program for new and existing businesses in Pocahontas County to retain and grow our business community.
Academic WOrk Experience
2013-2019 Buena Vista University Assistant to the President; Director of Advancement Operations
Provided high-level administrative support to the President and 32 member Board of Trustees. Managed the President’s schedule and travel arrangements, coordinated meetings and appointments, served as a liaison between the President and executive team, staff members, and external stakeholders.
2010-2013 Iowa State University Foundation Development Coordinator
Coordinated all daily activities of the College of Engineering Development office to raise funds to support scholarships and programming. Served as assistant to Executive Director.
Education
2007- Laurens Marathon High School, Laurens IA
Diploma
2007-2010 Iowa State University, Ames IA
Degree: Bachelor’s- Communication Studies & Advertising
2021-Current Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville MO
Master of Business Administration
What Sets Williams Apart
Economic Development Experience
Emily has experience studying housing, workforce, and quality of life initiatives by way of local full time employment. She understands the issues and barriers to success.
Emily has regular access to state-wide economic development professionals by being part of the Empower Rural Iowa Task Force.
Gender Demographic
Our county leadership NEEDS gender diversity. We currently have 5 male supervisors with no representation from any women.
Age Demographic
Emily will represent the younger adult population and bring a fresh, creative perspective on what those residents with young children in the school district want to see.
Williams appreciates your vote in the primary election on June 4, 2024.
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