Mark Williams
Ex-Officio Director / Executive Committee
Mark Williams currently serves as the Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA). The JIA employs more than 300 team members under an operating budget of more than $40 million annually. The Authority is responsible for the stewardship of Jekyll Island, a Georgia barrier island and self-sustaining state park. The JIA is also responsible for providing services, programs, and amenities that maximize benefits to island visitors and residents.
Prior to joining the Jekyll Island Authority in July of 2023, Williams held the role of Commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) since 2010, overseeing the agency and its approximately 2,500 employees. Williams’ statewide responsibilities as Commissioner included the management and conservation of Georgia’s natural, historic, and cultural resources, including fish and wildlife, land conservation, coastal resources, historic preservation, and sustainability initiatives for more than 1 million acres of Georgia’s state parks and public natural areas.
As DNR Commissioner, Williams also held an ex-officio position on the Jekyll Island Authority Board and previously served in Board appointments for the Department of Community Affairs, the Coastal Marshlands and Shore Protection Committees, the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation, the Land Conservation Council, the Sapelo Island Heritage Authority, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association, the Governor’s Water Supply Program Task Force, and the Georgia Aviation Authority.
Mr. Williams represented the 178th district in the State House of Representatives for two terms from 2006-2010.
He has also served as past president of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and recipient of its 2011 Distinguished Service Award, past president of the Wayne County Rotary Club, and served as chairman of the Wayne County Hospital Authority for four years.
He currently serves on the Board of Prime South Bank, is a member of Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, the Satilla Riverkeepers, the Flint Riverkeepers, and the Georgia Wildlife Federation.
Born in Valdosta, Williams received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgia College and State University and is a former high school teacher and football coach. He is also a veteran of the Army National Guard.
Williams and his wife Pam have two daughters, Mary Katelyn and Miranda. He is a proud grandparent to Mary Katelyn and her husband Troy’s two sets of twins.
