San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) officials have announced the hiring of Eric Williams as the new Chief Operating Officer.
Williams returns to RTD having previously served the agency for three years as Manager of Grant Programs. Most recently, he served as the Grant & Capital Compliance Advisor for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Program for Wayne County, Michigan, where he oversaw approximately $339.8 million in ARPA funding supporting operational, construction, demolition, workforce development, and other transformational community projects.
Notable projects under his oversight included:
Southgate Tower Park & Pedestrian Bridge — $5,000,000
North Branch Ecorse Creek Drain Maintenance Project — $10,000,000
SEMCA Workforce Development Program — $20,000,000
Motown Museum Expansion Project — $2,500,000
Wayne County Land Bank Blighted Property Demolition Project — $7,498,625
Williams brings a diverse and accomplished professional background with extensive leadership experience in grants management, sponsored research administration, procurement, contracts, and compliance. He previously held the roles of Director of Grants and Contracts, Manager of Sponsored Programs Research, and Procurement & Contract Manager. He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to federal compliance and operational excellence, RTD officials said in announcing the hiring.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Williams is a passionate advocate for organ donation. He has actively supported initiatives benefiting dialysis patients and made the decision to become a living organ donor for his late brother Bryan. His dedication to service also extends internationally through his role as a board member for Critical Learning Systems, where he provides advisory support for educational and community development initiatives in rural Rwanda, Africa. He also volunteers with Donate Life and Habitat for Humanity.
Williams is an alumnus of Morehouse College, where he earned his degree in accounting.
San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) is the regional transit provider for San Joaquin County. RTD’s mission is to provide a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation system for the region. For more information, visit sjRTD.com, follow RTD on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or call (209) 943-1111.
