Artis Williams has been named the new executive director of the St. John United Way.

Williams has worked with St. John United Way for approximately five years. Most recently, he served as a board member and vice president of allocations. For more than 15 years, he was involved with the Cecil County Maryland United Way.

Williams retired in 2016 as senior plant manager of Air Products & Chemicals Inc. in Reserve after 35 years of service with the company.

Over the years, he also worked as a plant manager, production superintendent and project engineer for several chemical companies in Maryland, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Alabama and Tennessee.

Williams’ community involvement has extended over three decades. He served as president of the Gloucester Country College Foundation and first vice president of the Cecil County Chamber. Among other groups he has served are the American Baptist Churches of the South, Junior Achievement, Houston Independent School District Volunteers in Public Schools, and Pace, Fla. Industry School Advisory Group.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this outstanding organization that really impacts the community,” Williams said.

“The United Way team here in St. John is a great group. I’m happy to be part of a team that works well with companies and businesses and the partner agencies to see the needs of the community and fill these needs.”

Supporting the kickoffs of the fundraising campaigns is his priority.

“Giving campaign support is very important to providing funds for our partner agencies,” he said. “I’d like to also bring in new companies and businesses.”

The goal of St. John United Way is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of community problems.

Community impact areas include promoting health, wellness and independence, assisting with basic and emergency needs, helping kids succeed, and strengthening community and families.

Williams, an engineering graduate of University of Tennessee at Knoxville, was hired by the St. John United Way Board of Directors to replace retiring executive director John Olynick. For more information, visit  stjohnunitedway.org.