Ann Williams (Texas)

Ann Williams is a member of the Alief Independent School District in Texas, representing Position 3. Her current term ends in 2027.

Williams ran for re-election to the Alief Independent School District to represent Position 3 in Texas. She won in the general election on November 7, 2023.

Williams completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Email editor@ballotpedia.org to notify us of updates to this biography.

Ann Williams was born in Port Arthur, Texas. Williams received a bachelor's in information technology and a master's in business administration from the American InterContinental University in 2005 and 2010, respectively. Her career experience includes working as a secondary education administrator, with Fortune 10 corporations, and with government agencies. Williams has been affiliated with the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members (TCBSBM), the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE), the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), and the National School Board Association (NSBA).^[1]^[2]

Williams has been affiliated with the following organizations:^[3]

Texas Association of School Board
TASB Energy Cooperative Board
Houston Go Public
Mexican American School Board Association
Houston Alliance Black School Educators
National School Board Association
Council Urban Boards of Education
Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members

Elections

2023

General election

General election for Alief Independent School District, Position 3

Incumbent Ann Williams defeated Kimberly Zuniga and Kevin Alexis Linares in the general election for Alief Independent School District, Position 3 on November 7, 2023.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ann Williams (Nonpartisan)	57.4	5,618
	Submit photo	Kimberly Zuniga (Nonpartisan)	27.3	2,674
	Submit photo	Kevin Alexis Linares (Nonpartisan)	15.3	1,503

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,795
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Williams in this election.

2022

General election

General election for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4

Lesley Briones defeated incumbent R. Jack Cagle in the general election for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lesley Briones (D)	51.7	122,644
	Submit photo	R. Jack Cagle (R)	48.3	114,718

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 237,362
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4

Lesley Briones defeated Benjamin Chou in the Democratic primary runoff for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4 on May 24, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Lesley Briones	53.9	8,139
	Benjamin Chou	46.1	6,958

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 15,097
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4 on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lesley Briones	33.9	9,893
✔		Benjamin Chou	24.6	7,167
		Ann Williams	13.7	3,999
	Submit photo	Clarence Miller	11.0	3,211
		Gina Calanni	9.0	2,619
	Submit photo	Sandra Pelmore	5.6	1,624
	Submit photo	Jeff Stauber	2.2	650

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 29,163
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4

Incumbent R. Jack Cagle advanced from the Republican primary for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4 on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	R. Jack Cagle	100.0	29,864

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 29,864
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2019

General election

General election for Alief Independent School District, Position 3

Incumbent Ann Williams defeated Maxine Britton and Anton Dowls in the general election for Alief Independent School District, Position 3 on November 5, 2019.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Ann Williams (Nonpartisan)	59.3	5,772
	Maxine Britton (Nonpartisan)	21.6	2,105
	Anton Dowls (Nonpartisan)	19.1	1,856

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,733
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2015

See also: Alief Independent School District elections (2015)

Three seats on the Alief Independent School District Board of Trustees were up for general election on November 3, 2015. The seats are elected by district.

The seats of incumbents John P. Hansen, Rick Moreno and Ann Williams were up for election.^[4]^[5] Lily Truong and Gigi Myung were running to replace Hansen in Position 1 after the incumbent did not file for re-election. Truong was successful in winning the Position 1 seat. Moreno and Williams were running unopposed for the Position 2 and Position 3 seats, respectively, and both were re-elected.^[6]

Results

Alief Independent School District, Position 3, General Election, 2015
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Ann Williams Incumbent	100.0%	9,193
Total Votes		9,193
Source: Harris County Clerk, "Cumulative Report-Official", accessed December 16, 2015

Funding

Williams reported no contributions or expenditures to the Texas Ethics Commission as of October 29, 2015.^[7]

Campaign themes

2023

Ballotpedia survey responses

Ann Williams completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Williams' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

ANN WILLIAMS, an advocate, educator and influential leader, oversees MTSS programs as a Student Support Specialist for a Houston area school district. Serving on the Board of Trustees for nearly 16 years, Williams brings knowledge and experiences from Fortune 500 organizations in the oil and gas and technology industry to ensure students have exposure and access to learning opportunities that encompass their aspirations. A product of Houston public schools, Ms. Williams graduated summa cum laude earning her bachelor's degree in Business Information Technology, and a master's degree in Business Administration, possessing several licenses and certifications to support families and students. Belonging to a family of educators, Williams is the mother of two adult sons who are both graduates of Alief Elsik High School.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I aim to make sure that the processes of the school board are transparent and easily comprehensible for stakeholders. I would like to ensure there are clear and understandable communications channels to keep the community informed about the district’s initiatives and overall progress.
I want to ensure the district continues to foster strong partnerships with families and community organizations to support student success. I will advocate for to increase more town hall meetings and forums beyond the board room to encourage open dialogue between school board members, parents, teachers and the broader community.
I want parents to be assured that their children are exceeding grade-level expectations in core subjects as well as thriving no matter what their path may be after high school. My goal is to remove any barriers and continue my efforts to strive for excellence in all aspects of our district, emphasizing a commitment to student learning and academic achievement.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

SAFETY: First and foremost, parents want assurance that their children are going to be safe and that they are going to receive the education that they believe. Equally important, teachers. we must continue our demand that the state fund safety mandate for safer schools.

SCHOOL FUNDING: I am passionate about public policies that are related to education and health and human services. Like many school districts, Alief ISD may face funding challenges that can impact the availability of resources, teacher salaries, and the quality of education. I want to work in partnership with community and other political leaders to ensure our education is strong and produces a solid Texas workforce.

MENTAL HEALTH Research shows that students are apt to experience higher levels of stress and stress and trauma, necessitating more comprehensive mental health and counseling services within schools. If the state will not fund or make this a priority, I will call on law-maker to provide solutions that will help school district fill in the gaps.

SOCIAL ECONOMICS: Alief has a diverse socioeconomic population, which can result in disparities in educational outcomes. Students from lower-income families typically face additional challenges that presents low academic performance and a need for additional wrap-around services. I will continue my efforts to ensure we discount the noise and political rhetoric and that the focus for public education stays on what matters - OUR CHILDREN.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Ultimately I look up to my parents. I believe I was born into richness in love and moral values who were Christian ministers. I appreciate their guidance and wisdom; without their examples of faith, family and love for mankind, I do not believe I would have the fortitude to serve others and well and I like to do.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Having vast working knowledge developing policies makes me a valuable contributor on behalf of the community. I have demonstrated the ability to oversee budgets over $6.5 billion for infrastructure, transportation, and safety projects. Determining resources for over 40,000 children monitoring the health and wellbeing of 6000 plus employees has constantly been at the forefront of all decisions. I am honored that I have garnered the public trust of my community and viewed as a consensus builder. I believe that I have good chance to win this position because over the years I have maintained a positive community relationships and diplomacy with parents, community leaders and elected officials.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I have come to understand my role of governing and overseeing the public school system as important and rewarding work. My record will show as a policy maker, that I have introduced, supported and authored policies within Alief ISD that would provide quality and equitable education for all students. I have knowledge as well as mentored other Texas school board members on working collaboratively to determine high levels of accountability, adopt new instructional materials and assess their effectiveness, ensured safety and security of students and staff, approving the school district's budget being a good steward of our taxpayer funds and most recently being school board president for 6 consecutive years, led our board in evaluation the superintendent, and then hiring another qualified superintendent.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

First historical event that happened in my lifetime was the death of Dr. Martin Luther King - I was 5 years old and Man landing on the moon in July 1969 as I was turning 6 years old. I recall sitting in front of the black and white television for both and not able to comprehend the my parents reaction to both events.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

United Way - Travelers Aid Society - 11 years

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

Initially, I thought my role as a school board member was to resolve every educational problem in my district or demand that the superintendent react to public request. Overtime I have come to understand my role of governing and overseeing the public school system as important and rewarding work. My record will show as a policy maker, that I have introduced, supported and authored policies within Alief ISD that would provide quality and equitable education for all students. I have knowledge as well as mentored other Texas school board members on working collaboratively to determine high levels of accountability, adopt new instructional materials and assess their effectiveness, ensured safety and security of students and staff, approving the school district's budget being a good steward of our taxpayer funds.

Who are your constituents?

When I initially ran the school board, Alief ISD, while diverse, it did not believe the diverse populations was champions, as a result, my campaign centered on transparency, community engagement and high academic achievements for all children. Although, children are unable to vote, I believe their parents, our community partners, seniors citizens and the district employees are all constituents. Sixteen years later, I can say my initiatives were implemented, but I believe there is still much work to do within those three areas.

Parent are the primary stakeholders and are seeking someone to represent quality education, safety and meet the overall well being of their child. Residents of Alief rely on us to our district performs well so that they can experience strong property tax values. Local businesses in the area would benefit from quality workforce and overall economic health the the area.

Understanding the needs and knowing the Alief constituents has been the heart of my success in serving our community. We are diverse and we are Alief Proud!

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Similar to many other school districts, AISD struggles with inadequate funding, leading to disparities in teacher salaries, classroom resources, and resources for adequately meet the needs of students with disabilities. Compound with student mobility, caused by factors like housing instability, can disrupt education and make it challenging for teachers to meet the diverse needs of our students. Our population of students with special needs has greatly increased since the pandemic. Meeting the needs of students with disabilities is becoming significantly challenging and there are growing concerns how to recruit and retain specialized staff required for effective special education programs.

I will continue to advocate for funding and policies that support the inequities of resources. Over the years I have been opposed to systems that increases the pipeline to prison before children can begin their lives. One of my initiatives is to work with law-maker to author policies on the mental health and vaping addictions many students face across Texas.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

Safety is at the forefront of educating students every single day at every single campus. Alief ISD is unique in that we foster relationships. I will continue my efforts to consider all individuals as stakeholders and worthy of a voice. It is imperative that we keep channels of communications open - which is why I am a champion of the "If you see something - SAY Something" programs that ensure the safety and well being of student and staff members. I will continue the fight for funding public education and ensure that mandates are funded as well.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

As a past vocational education students, I realize the value that students would receive working with construction contractors and subcontractors on our school district’s construction projects. I have supported our CTE program managers/ directors to work with local businesses and trade organizations to create apprenticeship opportunities for or CTE students. Through our strong partnership we have shared information about apprenticeships with students, parents, and educators through workshops, presentations, or informational sessions.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

I would continue my lobbying efforts to Texas legislators and senators to fund public school. I have support HB100 since inceptions - calling upon the Texas Legislature to update the school finance system and basic allotment – using student enrollment and taking into account regional cost differences – to more equitably distribute future funding, reduce recapture payments, increase funding for student education, and teacher compensation, and provide automatic property tax relief for taxpayers; in addition, any and all excess “revenue in excess of entitlement” must be returned to the basic allotment and not into the general fund or other fund not benefitting traditional public education.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

First and foremost, parents want assurance that their children are going to be safe and that they are going to receive the education that they believe. Equally important, teachers want to ensure that they are going to be safe and return home to their families. School board are fed up with unfunded mandates, especially those surrounding the safety of our students. I have and will continue to advocated for (HB 3, School Safety). Requiring the legislators to fully fund the necessary school safety allotment significant enough to cover the cost of a school resource officer or peace officer per every 750 students or per campus. (HB 3, School Safety)

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Research shows that students are apt to experience higher levels of stress and stress and trauma, necessitating more comprehensive mental health and counseling services within schools. If the state will not fund or make this a priority, it places the burden on our school district to fill in the gaps.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

To effectively support school board policy as a school board member, would require thoroughly understanding proposed policies, and being able to advocate by sharing the implications, and potential benefits to the community, students, and district employees. I would support a school board Policy that would require that any company that benefits from District taxpayer dollars (contracts, lease agreements, tax abatements or any other subsidy) pay its employees at least a livable minimum wage. I have demonstrated my ability over the past years to work closely with other school board members to build consensus within the board.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Alief - Texas State Teachers Association

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

Alief - Federation of Teachers & School Employees

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

The ideal learning environment for students in Alief would likely align to what parents believe to be important for their children's educations. Safety is at the upmost top of list for parents; more importantly student have to feel safe and secure. Other elements that create an ideal learning environment is having highly qualify teachers receiving relevant professional developments, that will be useful for this point in time. Small classroom sizes would be ideal, however, I believe being one of the most diverse school district in the Houston area prioritizing cultural competence and sensitivity, is ideal for recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. The key ideals would be useless without the support of our parents, which is why I have support our parent liaisons to ensure there are opportunities for parent-teacher collaboration and regular communications.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

Having vast working knowledge developing policies makes me a valuable contributor on behalf of the community. I have demonstrated the ability to oversee budgets over $6.5 billion for infrastructure, transportation, and safety projects. Determining resources for over 40,000 children monitoring the health and wellbeing of 6000 plus employees has constantly been at the forefront of all decisions. I am honored that I have garnered the public trust of my community and viewed as a consensus builder.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

In my role as a school board member, I have the honor and pleasure to hire a superintendents as well as work to establish a mechanism for evaluating their work as it relates to student outcomes. The day to day operations of a school district belongs rightfully so to the "C.E.O." -- Superintendent of School. Therefor my preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment is ensuring that we have obtain a competent leader who will lead the efforts of recruitment that best suits the needs of our students, support and coach the leaders of our teachers and always consider safety on behalf of our parents.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2022

Ann Williams completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Williams' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Ann Williams, the daughter to Pentecostal pastors is a proud product of public education. Williams graduated from Jesse H. Jones High (1981) in Houston, Texas. Although she studied at Texas Southern University, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from American Intercontinental University - Online, earning a Bachelors' in Information Technology and a Master's in Business Administration while raising her two sons.

For the last 15 years Ann Williams has been a decisive leader and advocate. Williams extends her public service to education and Houston area communities at both the local and state levels. Her peers chose her to lead as President for their local governing body for seven years and a state organization the last two years.

Ann Williams is a candidate that is Capable, Committed, and Cares! She is ready to become the next Harris County Commissioner for Precinct 4 because experience matters.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Ann Williams is the most CAPABLE candidate because she has planned, adopted, and implemented $6.5 billion-plus budgets. She has been responsible for building developments and infrastructure of 60 facilities, including a tax office, two transportation centers, a police department, and the upkeep of one facility over 57 years old. She has managed a workforce development of over 6000 employees where Houston Chronicles has named her organization “Top Workplaces” in the Houston Metro area the last six years. Williams has approved hiring, made decisions on retention, grievances, employment contracts, and compensations and benefits structuring.
Ann Williams is COMMITTED to ensuring the issues of inequitable healthcare and economic development are a priority in Precinct 4. As an elected official, she has co-authored equity policies, making certain specific needs are addressed for marginalized populations as well as ensuring equitable opportunities for all. Ann Williams has been selected, never appointed by the most important individuals in Harris County. Over 9000 voters elected her and, she has served four consecutive terms.
Ann Williams is a proud Democrat and CARES about attempts to suppress voting rights. Along with organizing voter registrations events, she spearheaded and supported an initiative that allowed high school students to register to vote through their Social Study classes. She has practical experience with addressing diverse issues at local and state levels. She has mitigated economic challenges while making strategic decisions on infrastructure projects, emergency management, public safety, and state and federal mandates.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

There are two public policy areas that I am personally passionate about inequitable healthcare and economic development that exist within Harris County Precinct 4 communities.

I would address the issue of inequitable healthcare by first reviewing the current facilities in the healthcare system throughout precinct 4. I would focus on areas where there is an undersupply of primary care access and specialties services and those areas where there is an oversupply. I desire to bring more equitable resources for all. I will also help those who are indigent or uninsured and unable to provide their own healthcare making sure there is access throughout precinct 4.

Economic development is the other issue that is pressing for this office that I seek. In that, I will work with the current alliances that have been established, as well as look into federal and state incentives programs that will bring jobs into precinct 4. I would examine local programs that seek to increase the jobs through reinvestment projects. My desire is not to make all things equal but to ensure equitable opportunities for all.

Because I’m capable, committed and I care!

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to both my parents. While they are no longer physically with us, I am constantly reminded of the rich wisdom that they provided to so many. While I listened to them counsel many parishioners, I come to learn that the advice shared is something that sustains me as well.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime was the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968. I recall sitting with my young sister and brother watching the sadness play out on a black and white television. I was three months shy of turning five years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was in 1980 with Traveler's Aid Society which was a United Way Agency funded by Exxon corporation for Office Education Association students. I remain employed with TAS for eleven years. The experiences working my up from a part time student worker, to becoming the head of the Records department, spring boarded me into my information technology career.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2019

Ann Williams did not complete Ballotpedia's 2019 Candidate Connection survey.

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

Alief Independent School District, Position 3

Twitter

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Re-Elect Ann Williams, "Biography", accessed October 21, 2015
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 10, 2022
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 10, 2023
↑ Alief Independent School District, "Board of Trustees," accessed January 29, 2015
↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Important 2015 Election Dates," accessed January 20, 2015
↑ Nick Katers email exchange with Charles Woods on September 10, 2015
↑ Texas Ethics Commission, "Search Campaign Finance Reports", accessed October 29, 2015

[1] Re-Elect Ann Williams, "Biography", accessed October 21, 2015

[bio-2] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 10, 2022

[3] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 10, 2023

[board-4] Alief Independent School District, "Board of Trustees," accessed January 29, 2015

[deadlines-5] Texas Secretary of State, "Important 2015 Election Dates," accessed January 20, 2015

[6] Nick Katers email exchange with Charles Woods on September 10, 2015

[7] Texas Ethics Commission, "Search Campaign Finance Reports", accessed October 29, 2015

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

	v • e State of Texas Austin (capital)
Elections	What's on my ballot? \| Elections in 2025 \| How to vote \| How to run for office \| Ballot measures
Government	Who represents me? \| U.S. President \| U.S. Congress \| Federal courts \| State executives \| State legislature \| State and local courts \| Counties \| Cities \| School districts \| Public policy

Ann Williams (Texas)

Biography

Elections

2023

General election

General election for Alief Independent School District, Position 3

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Harris County Commissioners Court Precinct 4

2019

General election

General election for Alief Independent School District, Position 3

2015

Results

Funding

Campaign themes

2023

Ballotpedia survey responses

2022

2019

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

SITE NAVIGATION