From news release
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — United Way of Rock River Valley has hired Octavia Williams as its new director of development.

Williams, a native of Maryland who moved to Rockford in October, will lead the nonprofit’s efforts to create sustainable relationships with all donors, supporters and philanthropists throughout the community.

“We are excited to have Octavia join our team and bring her years of experience and enthusiasm to United Way,” said Julie Bosma, president and CEO of United Way of Rock River Valley, in a news release. “She has jumped right in and is already meeting with donors and understands what a vital role we play in the community. We are blessed to have her.”

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Williams most recently worked as a clinical data analyst at Memphis-based Enclara Pharmacia, the nation’s largest pharmacy benefits manager for hospice and palliative care. While there, she also served as the company’s outreach coordinator, which strengthened her passion and understanding of philanthropy, the United Way said.

In that role, she facilitated relationships between Enclara and local nonprofit organizations such as St. Jude, whose services support Enclara patients.

“I am honored to take on this new role as director of development,” Williams said in a news release. “The Rock River Valley is home to such wonderful, caring and compassionate people. My goal is to build on the successes of United Way and to be a part of the solution to our community’s most challenging issues.”

Williams received her doctorate of pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy. She and her husband, Jonathon, the senior pastor at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Rockford, have a 10-year-old daughter, Nadja, who attends Christian Life.