Michael E. Williams ’78

Professional Association: President and CEO of Orchards Children’s Services

Education: B.A., Albion College, 1978. M.A., Eastern Michigan University, 1984.

Michael Williams graduated from Albion College in 1978 with majors in history and political science. While at Albion, he was voted as an NAACP Man of the Year, and was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in both basketball and track. In 1994, Williams was elected mayor of the city of Albion, and then re-elected once again in 1996. Since graduating from Albion College, he has held a variety of positions including president of Starr Vista, Inc. Care Management Organization, executive director of the Hannah Neil Center and director of several community-based programs. He has also been involved in Renaissance Club in Detroit, the National Black Child Development Institute and is a past member of the Alumni Association Board. Williams was also selected as one of Albion College’s Distinguished Alumni in 1997.

Currently, Williams is the president and CEO of Orchards Children’s Services, Michigan’s premier foster care and adoption agency. He has dedicated his life and career in support of children and their families, and has discussed possible partnership opportunities between Albion’s Ford Institute and Orchard Children’s Services.