Larry Williams, President & CEO, The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
Larry's Bio:
Larry K. Williams, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). Williams, A recognized leader in economic development, brings more than 20 years of experience in global branding, international trade and finance, public and industrial policy, and administration and management to one of the largest state technology trade associations in North America.
Prior to joining TAG in 2016, Williams served as President/CEO of The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s official economic development partnership. Under Williams’ leadership The Beacon Council created and executed a new economic development framework that resulted in $687 million in new investment, 119 company relocations or expansions, and more than 4,500 new jobs.
Previously, Williams helped shape the vision for Atlanta’s technology industry as Vice President of Technology Development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. He provided leadership and direction to the Chamber’s Mobility Task Force, the effort to position Atlanta as a global hub of mobile technology, and the Technology Leadership Council.
In the State of Washington, Williams garnered a list of special assignments and honors including serving on the Governor’s Global Competitiveness Council, where he created and led all processes and committees. The council’s report served as the basis of the state’s new 10-year economic initiative.
In 2008, Williams was appointed by Gov. Christine Gregoire as co-chair of the newly created Washington State Tourism Commission and the following year he was appointed to serve on her executive cabinet.
As Director of International Trade for Washington State Department of Commerce, Williams managed the merger of the International Trade and the Economic Development Divisions of the State Department of Commerce. His responsibilities increased from managing 14 employees with a $6 million budget to 66 employees with a $130 million budget.
Williams recruited, retained or expanded 692 companies statewide; created or retained more than 17,000 jobs; and generated more than $1.8 billion in private investment in fiscal years 2008/2009. He developed and implemented initial sales goals for each team member and exceeded three-year projections by more than 40 percent, documenting more than $43 million in actual sales.
Under his leadership, Washington State opened its first foreign offices in Mexico City, Frankfurt, Germany and Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing, China.
In his native North Carolina, he rose through the ranks to Director of Operations of the International Trade Division for the North Carolina Department of Commerce. He developed business opportunities for client companies throughout Canada and Latin America.
Williams is a graduate of North Carolina State University, and the Darlington School. Williams also studied in Costa Rica and Spain and speaks Spanish.