LeRon Williams named executive director of Augustana’s community development corporation

Augustana College has named LeRon Williams as executive director of the Augustana Hilltop Community Development Corporation (CDC). Williams brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education, leadership development and community engagement to the role.

“What drew me to the Hilltop CDC was the opportunity to connect Augustana's resources and relationships with the priorities of the surrounding neighborhood,” Williams said. “I see this role as an opportunity to help turn shared ideas into meaningful progress alongside residents, business owners and community partners.”

The Hilltop CDC was established through a partnership between Augustana College and the city of Rock Island to support neighborhood revitalization through housing, local business development and long-term investment in the College Hill District. The organization seeks to strengthen connections between Augustana and the surrounding neighborhood, creating opportunities for residents, businesses and students.

Williams’ experience includes leading strategic initiatives, developing community partnerships and creating programs that expand educational and economic opportunities. His work has brought together higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, community leaders and private partners to support individuals and communities.

Williams most recently served as associate director of the Multicultural Center at Western Illinois University, where he developed leadership programs, facilitated workshops and strategic planning sessions, advised student organizations and managed a six-figure programming budget. His work focused on helping students and community partners develop leadership skills and create opportunities for engagement.

“We are extremely lucky to have LeRon as the new executive director of the Augustana Hilltop CDC,” said Kirk Anderson ’93, chair of the Hilltop CDC board and Augustana’s chief financial officer. “His experience in community development will be a key factor in ensuring the corporation fulfills its primary purpose: bringing community members and Augustana students together at surrounding Augustana businesses to build lasting relationships and professional development opportunities.”

Outside of higher education, Williams founded FlyteDNA, a youth development organization focused on leadership through self-mastery, identity development and visualization. Through a gamified learning environment, he developed a leadership curriculum designed to help young people better understand themselves, recognize their potential and develop leadership skills.

He also founded the Lucky68 Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth development, leadership education and community revitalization.

Williams’ broader experience includes initiatives involving affordable housing, family stability and neighborhood development, along with grant development, strategic planning and nonprofit leadership.

As he begins his work with the Hilltop CDC, Williams plans to focus on listening, understanding the organization's previous work and building relationships with residents, business owners and community partners.

“I'm interested in development and neighborhood activities that bring people together while building on the identity and strengths already here,” Williams said.

Williams’ appointment advances a key priority of Augustana's Bold & Boundless strategic plan: to connect through partnership by strengthening neighborhoods around campus, contributing to community vitality and building relationships throughout Rock Island.