Dr. Doreen Williams was elected to the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners in November 2014 and took office on January 1, 2015. She is a former small business owner and retired educator with a diverse educational background. She earned her Doctor of Education from Georgia Southern University in curriculum studies with concentrations on the role and influence of effective governments. Her master’s degree from Walden University concentrated on the effective use of technology. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in French from Brigham Young University.

Commissioner Williams believes recognizing and caring for those who have fewer resources, or are more vulnerable, is an important part of ethical living. As such she has concentrated heavily on improving outcomes for those with mental and behavioral health challenges. Her work has included hosting numerous community symposiums and forums on behavioral health. She created a Stepping Up Initiative Steering Committee whose purpose is to improve services and resources community-wide so that those having a crisis can be diverted to treatment and not booked into jail for misdemeanor crimes. The committee is composed of judges, the sheriff and staff, the City of Conyers Police Chief and staff, mental health clinicians, representatives from the District Attorney and Public Defender’s offices, Emergency Management including 911, people with lived experience, and community members. She was instrumental in hiring effective staff to coordinate these efforts as well as oversee the development of a Restorative Justice Complex.

Commissioner Williams serves on the board of directors for View Point Health to which she was appointed by the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners in 2009. She also serves on the board of directors for Grit and Grace RCO, an addiction recovery organization.

Commissioner Williams moved to Rockdale County with her husband and their five children in July 1994. Their children have attended Honey Creek Elementary, Edwards Middle and Heritage High School. In addition to their five children and their spouses they now enjoy 13 vibrant grandchildren!