New CEO and President appointed to lead Company into the future
FORT WORTH, Texas, September 26, 2022 — WilliamsRDM is pleased to announce today that we have enacted a leadership succession plan that ensures the company will remain woman-owned, while keeping ownership in the Williams family, and providing the stability necessary to grow and develop in the legacy of founder, Della Williams.
The WilliamsRDM Board has appointed Melissa Williams Hoskins as the Company’s next Chief Executive Officer. Melissa, currently Secretary of the Board and aide to the current President and CEO, Della, is Della’s daughter. With a background in Human Resources, and previous leadership experience on several boards within and outside the Company, she will continue the 26-year legacy of growth with her eye for talent, team-building, and taking on tough challenges.
“I am honored to be following in [Della’s] footsteps … continuing to learn from her and Craig.” — Melissa Williams Hoskins, Chief Executive officer
Commenting on the announcement, Melissa stated, “My mother has dedicated herself to this company for the majority of her life. I am honored to be following in her footsteps, and continuing to learn from her and Craig. One of the many things she has taught me is that committed, engaged employees are the lifeblood of a thriving business. We are blessed with a fantastic workforce, and I look forward to all of the opportunities that lie ahead for us.”
The WilliamsRDM Board has also appointed Craig Walters, currently Vice President, as the Company’s next President. Craig has loyally worked for the Company for 40 years, in various roles including product designer, production manager, and has served as Vice President since 2011. He possesses an intimate working knowledge of all areas of operations, as well as the history of the Company. His ability to adapt and grow in new experiences has him well suited to expand his leadership role.
“I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of Della’s vision to move this company into the next phase…”
— Craig Walters, President
“It has been a great experience helping bring the company to where it is now and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of Della’s vision to move this company into the next phase with the new location, and the great business opportunities we are poised to take advantage of. I’m proud and confident of the team that has been put together and now as much as ever, it will be important for all of us to help each other as well as our customers. Remember: ‘Williams Will!’” added Craig.
Della Williams, owner, founder, and formerly President and CEO, will remain as Chair of the Board. She has been here since Day One, and that will not change. Having capably performed just about every role and duty over the 60-year history of the Company, since 1996, she has served as President, CEO, and Chair of the Board. Della still owns the company, and will provide oversight and direction.
Commenting on the elevation of her two protégés, Della states, “I love my job. I have never *not* been excited to get up and go to work. But it is time for this transition. And I have absolute faith and trust in Melissa and Craig. I’m biased, but I think the three of us make a pretty good team. I have obviously witnessed both of them grow and mature over a long period of time. One of the reasons for their selection is that they love this company, they have been involved since they were young, and they want to see it continue the right way: taking care of employees, their families, and customers.”
“It is time for this transition. And I have absolute faith and trust in Melissa and Craig.— Della Williams, Owner/Founder
Craig and Melissa —working with Della— will take on the increased responsibility of these roles to maintain continuity for WilliamsRDM into the future. Theirs is a partnership that has been forged through loyalty to Della and her principles, the 18-month search for a new facility, as well as having known one another for 40 years. Della will continue to be at the office daily, and she is still the boss.
Della’s experience and knowledge, combined with Craig’s understanding and of the operations of WilliamsRDM will continue to steer us forward. Melissa comes in to provide new insights and ideas in planning and strategic direction, leveraging her experiences from outside the company, to carry out Della’s manufacturing mission. It is important that we move the company into this new era with consistency and a sense of excitement for what lies ahead. We tend to do big things on big anniversaries: we moved to our Greenleaf location on our 40th, we changed the company’s name on our 50th. And now we are delighted to lay out a new leadership path as we approach our 60th.
What will this mean to you? In practical terms, you probably won’t notice any changes. And if anything does change, it will be communicated in a timely manner.
Stability through succession was the primary mover for the transition, because change is coming, not the least of which is the renovation and move to our new 100,000-square-foot facility at 500 Winscott Road in Benbrook by 2024. WilliamsRDM is well-positioned for great things to come that will contribute to our continued growth and success. Our doors are always open to you.
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