As Director of NHE3 (New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem) Operations, Joseph “Joe” Williams focuses on building, leading and coordinating the day-to-day activities related to the establishment of an inclusive, integrated and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in New Haven.

Joe completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he earned a BA in Political Science. He also holds an MBA from Southern Connecticut State University.

Before coming to The Foundation, Joe worked as a Trusted Connecticut Small Business Development Advisor at the University of Connecticut School of Business for 9 years. His position involved assisting small business owners and entrepreneurs start, expand and grow their businesses. Joe also brings a wealth of experience from work prior to that position including a role as an Insurance Consultant at Key Insurance Solutions in Hartford, serving as President of Williams Capital Partners in New Haven, employment at the Urban League of Greater Hartford as VP for Development and Marketing and a role as Regional Director for the Center for Business and Industry Services at Middlesex Community College.

Joe serves on the Board of the Workforce Alliance in New Haven. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is a Prince Hall Mason. Joe resides in Hartford, and in his spare time he loves to fish, travel, play golf and spend time with his two children.