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Preston Williams IIISenior Partner & CIO at GBC® Global Services. |
| www.askvisory.com/prestonw |
Why you should speak with me:
Preston has 20+ years of business information technology experience. He is Senior Partner & CIO at GBC® Global Services.
Summary:
Preston Williams III is Senior Partner & Chief Information Officer (CIO) at GBC® Global Services. He is a pioneer & futurist with 20+ years of Big 4, Fortune 500, Global 100 and entrepreneurial experience. That experience includes Senior Auditor with Price Waterhouse (PriceWaterhouseCoopers), Controller for Lynn-Phill, IT Consultant with McGladrey & Pullen and Andersen Consulting (Accenture) as well as Project Executive at IBM Global Services. Mr. Williams also worked as the first Product Manager for Global Data Collection with Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and the first Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Langston University.
From 2002 to 2004, Preston Williams served as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Managing Partner at GBC®. Incorporated in Delaware, USA; the firm operates in Kenya, Liberia, Uganda and the United States.
Preston has successfully implemented sound, reliable, dynamic, scalable and robust IT systems integration and financial management solutions in North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Mr. Williams is former Technology Committee Chairman of the Oklahoma State Council on Information Technology (CoIT) and a former member of the Innovative Technology Advisory Council of Oklahoma (InnoTech). He is a member of the American Business Network (ABN), the EDUCAUSE CIO Constituent Group, the Carolina Information Technology Professionals Group (CITPG) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Enterprise Forum of Cambridge. He is also a member of the International Entrepreneurs Club, the International Technology Channels Association (ITCA), Tech Republic and the Global CIO Think Tank.
Preston Williams III is Chairman of the GBC® Board of Directors, a recipient of the IBM® Global Services Leadership Award and a member of the Internet Evolution Executive Clan.
From 2002 to 2004, Preston Williams served as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Managing Partner at GBC®. Incorporated in Delaware, USA; the firm operates in Kenya, Liberia, Uganda and the United States.
Preston has successfully implemented sound, reliable, dynamic, scalable and robust IT systems integration and financial management solutions in North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Mr. Williams is former Technology Committee Chairman of the Oklahoma State Council on Information Technology (CoIT) and a former member of the Innovative Technology Advisory Council of Oklahoma (InnoTech). He is a member of the American Business Network (ABN), the EDUCAUSE CIO Constituent Group, the Carolina Information Technology Professionals Group (CITPG) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Enterprise Forum of Cambridge. He is also a member of the International Entrepreneurs Club, the International Technology Channels Association (ITCA), Tech Republic and the Global CIO Think Tank.
Preston Williams III is Chairman of the GBC® Board of Directors, a recipient of the IBM® Global Services Leadership Award and a member of the Internet Evolution Executive Clan.
Career History
- Enterprise:
- GBC Global Services
- Position:
- Senior Partner & CIO
- Summary:
- GBC® is your friendly neighborhood IT Consulting company. Our professional and technical, customer-centric services optimize IT operations and investments, empowering you to focus on your core business.
Provide thought leadership & articulate IT vision & strategy. Manage Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES). Formulate, evaluate and implement technology initiatives, policies, and procedures to improve operations. Ensure infrastructure integrity by aligning technology integration with Line of Business (LoB) processes & operational metrics. Responsible for development and execution of all Business Information Technology functions in the enterprise: ITSM, ITIL & SOX compliance, business analytics, voice, data, imaging, office automation, network agility and security. Assess & communicate risks/benefits associated with IT investments. Collaborate with peers to deploy innovative technologies including virtual, “pure-play”, telepresence & convergence solutions. Ensure Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) through Research & Development (R&D). Increase staff productivity through sound planning, proper training and efficient execution. Hire, train, coach, counsel, supervise, mentor and evaluate performance of Direct Reports. Manage network performance in line with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) & Operating Level Agreements (OLAs). Ensure compliance with IT-related statutes and regulatory guidelines including HIPAA and Sarbanes Oxley (SOX).
■ Key Achievement(s):
♦ Successfully negotiated strategic alliances and partnerships to deliver competitive, cost effective & sustainable solutions to satisfied clients: Microsoft, Global Trade & Technology Network (GTN), CISCO, IBM, DELL, Avaya Communications, Nortel Networks, SAP and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
♦ Established Technology Standards Board (TSB)
★ Member: TechRepublic.
★ Member: American ITIL
★ Member: Global CIO Think Tank.
★ Member: Internet Evolution Executive Clan. - Year:
- Jan 2002 – Present
- Enterprise:
- GBC® Global Services
- Position:
- Chairman - Board of Directors
- Summary:
- The GBC® Board of Directors is responsible for oversight of the business affairs of the corporation in accordance with the Bylaws. Technical decision-making authority regarding the content and direction of GBC® and the day-to-day operation of the company is the responsibility of the Management Team.
- Year:
- Jan 2002 – Present
- Enterprise:
- Langston University
- Position:
- CIO - Chief Information Officer
- Summary:
- Served as Langston University’s first CIO. Provided leadership as head of Information Technology Services (ITS). Advised the President on technology and created IT component of university's Ten Year Strategic Development Plan. Managed budget and technology infrastructure at multiple sites: Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
■ Key Achievement(s):
♦ Successfully managed IT Division certification with North Central Higher Learning Commission – LU received NCA accreditation: 2007 - 2017.
♦ Negotiated cost-efficient TELECOMM contract & standardized cell phone service: from 28 individual contracts to single “Corporate” contract.
♦ Created viable partnership with Oklahoma State Board of Regents. Relationship resulted in assistance with SAS, UDS & FOCUS reporting.
♦ Introduced network security controls using several protocols and applications including encryption (CWID), biometrics and BOSS Assist.
♦ Created new Network, E-mail & Cell Phone Usage policies.
♦ Implemented HelpBox™ to manage service requests and support calls.
♦ Used QoS to improve VPN/VoIP network connectivity and bandwidth capacity.
♦ Successfully submitted Title III Grant for Learning Management Systems (LMS): BlackBoard & Desire 2 Learn (D2L).
♦ Standardized enterprise architecture: PCs, laptops, hubs, routers, switches, servers & peripherals.
♦ Deployed virtualized servers (VMWare) to increase architecture performance and scalability.
♦ Implemented wireless infrastructure (Enterasys) - ensured “any time” network access.
♦ Installed new e-Commerce web site to enable online transactions: 24/7/365 .
♦ Chairman: Technology Committee - Oklahoma State Council on Information Technology (CoIT).
♦ Ensured compliance with HIPAA, RIAA & Clery Act.
♦ Member: Oklahoma Innovative Technology Advisory Council (InnoTech).
♦ Member: EDUCAUSE CIO Constituent Group.
♦ Member: MIT OpenCourseware Project.
♦ Created partnerships: DELL & The Williams Company.
★ Reference: “Langston University Gazette”. - Year:
- Jan 2006 – Jan 2007
- Enterprise:
- Oklahoma State Council on Information Technology (CoIT).
- Position:
- Chairman - Technology Committee
- Summary:
- There are nine (9) advisory councils and boards in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. The Council on Information Technology considers technology and related issues affecting Oklahoma higher education, proposes technology and related policy and procedures and serves as the principal statewide advisory council rendering advice and counsel to the chancellor, other advisory groups and the entire state system in the review of current and recommended technology and related policy and procedures. The council also serves as a forum for IT officers to discuss matters of common interest, conducts studies and issues reports designed to strengthen the mission of Oklahoma higher education institutions. Membership is comprised of principal IT officers from each institutional campus and higher education center (as appropriate) in the state system. In addition, a representative from the independent sector is selected from nominations provided by the Independent College Association and is invited to serve on the council.
- Year:
- Jan 2006 – Jan 2007
- Enterprise:
- Oklahoma Innovative Technology Advisory Council (InnoTech).
- Position:
- Member
- Summary:
- InnoTech Oklahoma creates an environment where education, innovation, peer-to-peer networking and the latest technology and business solutions are all available specifically for IT professionals. InnoTech Oklahoma assembles the leading business and technology executives in the state for answers to your IT issues. If you are a CIO, VP of IT/IS/MIS, Line of Business VP, direct report to a VP, Manager/Director IT Department, Network Manager, Systems/Business Analyst, Web Developer/Designer, CSO, CISO, CTO, Business Executive, Manager, researcher, or Entrepreneur, you should join InnoTech.
- Year:
- Jan 2006 – Jan 2007
- Enterprise:
- D&B - Dun & Bradstreet
- Position:
- Product Manager- Global Data Collection
- Summary:
- Served as first Product Manager for Global Data Collection with DNB Sales & Marketing Solutions. Used key global data variables to develop new products for North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Was responsible for flagship products including Worldbase, WorldBase Online (WBO), D-U-N-S Decision Maker (DDM), Executive Home Address (EHA), Global Standard Record Layout (GSRL), E-mail Solutions and E-Contacts. Utilized various sources to identify new opportunities and make adjustments to existing product life cycle strategy.
■ Key Achievements:
♦ Used PowerPoint presentations to deliver “Talking Points” to Account Executives.
♦ Created Crisis Management Communique for global sales team.
♦ Managed product development teams in: Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Peru, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, The Netherlands & The United States.
♦ Developed new products to help clients mitigate risk while improving and sustaining business performance:
• Corporate Family Tree Plus (CFT+) – Enables upsell/cross-sell opportunities.Est.ROI:$25 M.
• Customer Defection Alert (CDA) – Prevents client abandonment. Est. ROI: $15 M.
★ Reference: “New D&B Service Offers Deeper Corporate Linkage Data”.
♦ InfoCommerce Report: USA March 2005, Vol 15, Number 3, Page 6
★ Reference: “New D&B Service Offers Deeper Corporate Linkage Data”.
♦ Data Publishers Association (DPA): UK. April 18, 2005
♦ Served on D&B's 1st Global Standards Committee (GSC).
★ DUNSRight™ Certified. - Year:
- Jul 2004 – Sep 2005
- Enterprise:
- GBC Global Services
- Position:
- CEO & Managing Partner
- Summary:
- GBC® Global Services is a dynamic Information Technology Services company. Incorporated in Delaware, USA, we operate in Kenya, Liberia, Uganda and the United States.
★ Entrepreneur: Founded GBC® to provide cost-effective IT services to select clients. Served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Managing Partner. Created company mission & roadmap. Established Lines of Service (LoS). Used SWOT analysis (culture, economy, competition, technical ability, funding sources & demographics) to develop Leadership Dashboard. Managed daily operations (P&L) and resource provisioning. Coached, energized, motivated & mentored staff to deliver innovative services to satisfied customers. Executed firm’s certification with federal and state agencies. Negotiated major Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) & vendor contracts. Managed Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) & Non Compete Agreements (NCAs). Fostered environment for Business Process Improvement (BPI) through open dialogue and transparency.
■ Key Achievement(s):
♦ Established GBC® Board of Directors.
♦ Executed Business Partnerships & Strategic Alliances: dgMarket, HSP Street, United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), GotVmail (Grasshopper) & iPowerweb.
♦ Exposed clients to new e- business markets.
★ Reference: "GBC® Enters Into New Partnerships." PR Web. - June 29, 2006.
♦ Managed company’s web presence: Domain Name Registration (DNR), web site design and hosting services.
♦ Negotiated telecommunications contract & back office support services.
♦ Created mobile employee profile.
♦ Established virtual enterprise strategy.
♦ Standardized technology platform to drive revenue growth.
♦ GBC® - US Department of Defense (DoD) certified vendor (CCR).
♦ GBC® - US Department of Commerce (DoC) approved exporter.
♦ GBC® - D&B Listed.
★ Recipient: GBC® Leadership Award.
★ Member: MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge. - Year:
- Jan 2002 – Jul 2004
- Enterprise:
- IBM Global Services
- Position:
- Project Executive
- Summary:
- Successfully managed high-impact IT, EDP, MIS & mission-critical projects. Executed end-to-end systems integration solutions from Value Statement Creation, Business Case Development, Statement of Work (SoW) Development through Full Execution in several countries: Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Scotland, Singapore, Taiwan, The Netherlands & The United States.
■ Key Achievement(s):
♦ Managed $50+M Applied Materials (AMAT) LEAP project. Led cross-functional team of 142 employees including 13 Direct Reports (12 PMs/ 1 PE) in 13 countries.
♦ Planned, tracked, executed and reported project status against plan. Ensured deliverables were properly executed to meet clients’ timelines, milestones and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
♦ Successfully negotiated & managed outsourced PSG contracts with 5 companies in APAC.
♦ Executed global projects on time and within budget.
♦ Ensured end-users’ easy access to complex IT environments through efficient implementation & team-oriented collaboration.
♦ Managed cross-business team of 504 employees including 24 Project Managers and several vendors during execution of $180M+ Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign (TECC) Project.
♦ Deployed thousands of PCs, servers, routers, switches & printers. Installed cables, network drops, wi-fi & performed data migration.
♦ Created 21st Century IT infrastructures at 39 universities & colleges in 12 states in the United States.
★ Reference: “The UNCF Announces Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign”. Microsoft Press Pass – March 2000.
♦ Deployed first commercial wireless network in hotel at Delray Beach Marriott in Florida, USA. Solution included IBM Netfinity 5000 Servers, Netgear Hubs/Routers, Symphony Wireless LAN, CISCO PIX Firewall and IBM WorkPads integrated with client’s proprietary CRM system.
★ IBM Signature Selling Methodology (SSM™) certified professional.
★ Recipient:IBM® Global Services Leadership Award. - Year:
- Jun 1997 – Dec 2001
- Enterprise:
- Andersen Consulting
- Position:
- Consultant - Information Technology
- Summary:
- ♦ Successfully led team of engineers & technicians (65) on enterprise-wide system assessment project for Hospitals (14) and Medical Practices (5). Project yielded $3+ M in savings (hardware/software/licenses) for the Carolinas Healthcare System (CHS).
♦ Deployed Healthcare Information System (HIS) applications (PeopleSoft & HBOC Star) to enable patient registration, electronic medical record (EMR) keeping and exchange of medical information. - Year:
- Jan 1997 – Jul 1997
- Enterprise:
- McGladrey & Pullen
- Position:
- Consultant - Information Technology Group
- Summary:
- ♦ Managed several Value Added Reseller (VAR) relationships including Great Plains Dynamics, Platinum and SOLOMON to penetrate and increase firm’s market share.
♦ Installed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) & Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions.
★ CIS - Certified Implementation Specialist: Great Plains Software. - Year:
- Jan 1995 – Jan 1997
- Enterprise:
- First Trust
- Position:
- Debt Management Analyst
- Summary:
- Performed Debt Service on Single Family Mortgage Loans, Escrowed Accounts and Guaranteed Investment Contracts (GICs). Handled derivatives & mixed investment portfolios.
■ Key Achievement(s):
♦ Settled “early call” on account valued over $300 MM. - Year:
- Jul 1992 – Dec 1994
- Enterprise:
- HID - Health Information Designs, Inc.
- Position:
- Computer Operations Specialist
- Summary:
- ♦ Processed Drug Utilization Review (DUR) reports to enable efficient clinical, biomedical and pharmaceutical network information exchange for rational prescribing & formulary compliance.
♦ Managed company's disaster recovery program; including off-site backup tape library. - Year:
- Jan 1991 – Jul 1992
- Enterprise:
- Lynn-Phill
- Position:
- Controller & Corporate Secretary
- Summary:
- Managed Accounting Department & turned company around using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
■ Key Achievement(s):
♦ Streamlined SOLOMON Financial System and reduced operations cost by 80% year to year.
♦ Increased revenue by 312% year over year. - Year:
- Jan 1990 – Jan 1991
- Enterprise:
- Price Waterhouse
- Position:
- Senior Auditor
- Summary:
- ♦ Managed audit engagements: automotive, banking, consumer products, insurance (life & property), gas & oil, maritime, mining, computer operations, road construction, utilities and manufacturing in Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) & the United States.
♦ Prepared Internal Control Memorandum (ICM) to improve performance & transparency.
♦ Worked closely with PW London Office to develop new Actuarial Tables for premium calculations using updated econometric and demographic information (mortality ratios, loss tables, etc).
♦ Conducted Financial Statement (GAAS) & Operational (Forensic) audits.
★ CPA - Certified Public Accountant: LICPA. - Year:
- Jul 1985 – Dec 1989
Education & Qualifications
- University:
- Harvard Business School
- Degree:
- ★
- Year:
- 2004
- University:
- Liberian Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Degree:
- ★ CPA
- Year:
- 1989
- University:
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
- Degree:
- ★ Student
- Year:
- 1988
- University:
- University of Liberia
- Degree:
- ★ M. Sc.
- Year:
- 1985
- University:
- Cuttington University College
- Degree:
- ★ B. Sc.
- Year:
- 1982
Other Qualifications & Awards
Languages Spoken
- English
- French
verified profile
Industry Focus:
Technology
Business Areas:
IT – Information Technology
Key Skills:
♦ Strategic Alliances & Partnerships
♦ Corporate Identity
♦ Innovative Products and Services Development
♦ Sales, Marketing & Business Planning
♦ Global Program / Project Management
♦ Product Development
♦ Corporate Identity
♦ Innovative Products and Services Development
♦ Sales, Marketing & Business Planning
♦ Global Program / Project Management
♦ Product Development
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