I was born in Tallahassee, and have been a loyal citizen of this community for the past thirty-two years. Growing up, my parents as well as my neighbors taught me the importance of strengthening my community and lending a hand. Now as a husband and a father, with great exposure to community and governance, I understand the needs that are vital to District 8. Our community deserves a representative who is faithful and committed to your needs and dedicated to making our dreams a reality. We need new ideas, individuals who care, and individuals who will respond. That is why I am running for public office.

I graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University with a Masters in Business Administration. While at Florida A&M, I served as student senator in the University's Student Government Association. I also led the initiative to create the Venom Express, the University's first intercampus transportation system. Working with other student senators and members of the Florida Legislature, we hastened the return of the FAMU College of Law. In 1996, I had the distinct honor of serving as the Student Government liaison for former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton during her visit to Florida to promote the Clinton-Gore presidential ticket.

In addition, I held the office of Chapter Polemarch (President) of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. while simultaneously being elected to the post of Junior Vice-Polemarch of the Southern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Through my leadership the chapter won both Chapter of the Year for the Southern Province and Fraternity of the Year for the University, both awards given in part for the community service our organization rendered. In 1997, I was also recognized for my leadership in the fraternity by being named the "Brother of the Year" the highest undergraduate award for the both my chapter and the Southern Province.

After college, I joined the business community and began a career in sales for Sprint. Although I enjoyed the financial gains of the corporate world, as time went on I realized I was not doing enough to strengthen our community. I began to think upon the phenomenal individuals in my community that pushed me to stay involved throughout all my school years in Hartsfield Elementary, Fairview Middle, and Rickards High School, and I realized I wasn't rewarding them back. As I reflected on my days in Youth NAACP, I knew I had to make a change and begin working to make a difference.

In my position as Aide to the Mayor of Tallahassee for community outreach, my primary role was to serve as a liaison between the community and the Mayor, and to keep our municipal leaders connected to the issues that are of utmost importance to our community. While in the Mayor's office I served on the the "Mayor's Task Force to End Chronic Homelessness" in 10 years.  I appreciated this experience in the Mayor's office  because it gave me an opportunity to directly give back and serve the community that raised me.

• In 2007, I graduated in the Silver Anniversary Class of Leadership Florida, Class 25, and was recently selected to serve on the statewide Council of Advisors for Leadership Florida, as a representative of the Northwest Florida region.

• Since 2006, I have worked with other community leaders to help our neighbors get free tax assistance through the B.E.S.T project through the United Way of the Big Bend.
  
  
• In 2006, I was appointed to the board of directors for the United Way of the Big Bend. I was also appointed by the United States Commission on Civil Rights to serve on the Florida Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. I believe it is very important to be actively involved in the community.
  
  
• In 2000, I was selected to participate in Leadership Tallahassee, a program designed to provide a foundation for a lifelong commitment to effective leadership by educating and challenging emerging and existing community leaders on key issues affecting the political, business, human service and cultural activities. At the time of my invitation in 2001, I was the youngest participant in the history of the program.
  
  
• After graduating from Leadership Tallahassee, I held the position of chair for Opportunity Tallahassee Program, an affiliate of Leadership Tallahassee as well as Chair of Youth Leadership Tallahassee.
  
  
• In addition, in April 2007, I was elected as Chair-Elect for Leadership Tallahassee.

My wife of 8 years, Opal, and our two children are proud to call District 8 home. Several years ago, my wife an I made a conscious decision to raise our children in Tallahassee. Raising our children is not the same as it was years ago when our parents reared us, so we take extra efforts to build for them the same sense of community we had during our adolescent years.

Our Community deserves a representative who cares about improving the issues that are vital for the positive growth our families and communities. Living in Tallahassee has granted me the opportunity to meet and associate myself with many state officials, which has further allowed me to learn eminently about the needs of our community. Education, healthcare, job opportunities, and affordable housing are just a few, but somehow these important issues have been tabled or ignored during previous years. I can and I will do better. I understand your concerns and our voice will be heard.

My name is Alan Williams and I care. I was born here. I went to public schools right here in Tallahassee from kindergarten all the way through my master's degree at FAMU. My children look to me to provide a safe home for them. I am not a politician looking to get into office and not work for your needs. I am a hardworking father and husband, who cares about where our country is heading, starting with our region. That's why I am asking to be your next State Representative for District 8.