Courtney D. Williams is a creative, strategic communications leader with nearly 20 years of experience in corporate, higher education, and nonprofit environments.
In her current role, Courtney serves as the Director, Equality Communications and Engagement, in the Office of Equality at Salesforce. She is responsible for the content, communications, design, customer and employee engagement, events, and partnerships, all to support and reflect Salesforce’s values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reporting to the Chief Equality Officer, Courtney creates comprehensive and strategic communications to raise awareness, drive engagement, and foster understanding of DEI initiatives among employees, partners, and stakeholders.
Previously, as the Communications Director at the Obama Foundation, Courtney oversaw the group’s internal and external communications; lead the development, planning, and execution of the Foundation’s strategic communications; and ensured alignment of internal and external messaging connected to Foundation-related news, community engagement, and development. During her five- and half-year tenure at the Foundation, Courtney also managed the research and vetting team responsible for the Foundation’s reputation maintenance, helping to provide a consistent message within the press and public. Her experience also includes planning for large-scale events, such as directing speaking engagements and national press specials for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Her expansive career includes working as a journalist in print, radio, and television, which means she is comfortable taking the pen on content and working on both sides of the camera. She specializes in executive, corporate, and crisis communications, DEI work, and employee engagement efforts.
A trusted advisor to C-suite and senior-level leaders, Courtney brings a strong executive presence and creates a collaborative environment that encourages strong cross-functional work. She also has extensive experience as a project manager who thrives in a fast-paced setting, creating a strong sense of shared purpose within groups. Courtney is a dynamic people leader skilled at growing and developing effective teams.
Courtney is trained in content strategy work and holds certificates in crisis communications, negotiations, and leadership fundamentals from Northwestern University’s School of Communications and Kellogg School of Management. She sits on several boards, including: Deep Center, a nonprofit based in Savannah, Georgia, that uses writing, art, and culture to fuel creativity in youth to help create transformational change; SafeLIGHT Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting safe driving through traffic safety programs and community engagement; and is a Skokie Park District Commissioner serving as an elected official who sets goals and establishes policies and services for Skokie township.
Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northwestern University and an MBA with a concentration in marketing from the University of Memphis.