Raymond Williams

About Raymond Williams

I have built my experience moving just about everything and everyone in Washington’s transportation, transit, maritime, and utilities industries. I am a strategic senior operations leader with a proven track record of optimizing complex operations.From my early career as a Locomotive Engineer and Terminal Trainmaster at BNSF Railway to leadership roles in Link Light Rail, Seattle Streetcar, and ferry operations, I have built and led high-performing teams in dynamic, unionized environments. In Director-level roles at the Port of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Schools, and now as the Assistant Division Manager for Tacoma Public Utilities, I have driven efficiency, improved service delivery, and strengthened labor relations through collaboration and data-driven decision-making. My leadership approach prioritizes safety, operational excellence, and fostering strong partnerships to navigate industry challenges.I hold a degree in Management Information Systems from Washington State University, leveraging technology and analytics to enhance operational effectiveness and strategic planning.

Experience

1. Assistant Division Manager - Mail & Field Operations (Cxea)

   Tacoma Public Utilities

   Mar 2025 — Present · Tacoma, WA, US

   Lead and manage the Field Operations group, overseeing 1 Field Operations Supervisor, 2 AMFI Leads, 13 Advanced Meter Field Investigators, 2 Customer Service Representatives/Dispatchers, and 1 Administrative staff member; set performance metrics, optimize meter reading routes, and establish business unit goals. Manage fleet and facilities.Lead and manage the Mail & Print Services Division for TPU and the City of Tacoma, managing 1 Mail Services Supervisor, 2 Senior Mail & Stock Processors, and 6 Mail & Stock Processors responsible for utility invoice distribution, internal business communications, mail distribution, print services, and stock management.Administer capital and operating budgets, prepare biennium budget forecasts, and develop chargeback rate assessments and allocation percentages to ensure fiscal accountability.Recruit, develop, and evaluate staff, providing training, performance reviews, promotions, and corrective actions to support a high-performing, engaged workforce.Serve as management representative for IBEW 483-represented employees in the division, including interpreting and administering the collective bargaining agreement, resolving grievances, and supporting represented staff.Participate in the Labor-Management Committee (LMC), building collaborative relationships with union leadership, addressing workforce concerns, and advancing cooperative solutions.Oversee departmental administration, including strategic goal-setting, policy and procedure development, KPI creation, and continuity of operations planning for TPU field services and mail/print operations.Collaborate with City leadership, government agencies, and the public, providing expert support and transparent communication on utility operations.Drive safety and innovation by recommending, developing, and implementing new technologies to enhance meter reading efficiency, customer service, and cross-departmental communication.

Education

• Columbia River High School

  High School, Diploma

• Washington State University

  BA Business Administration, Management Information Systems

• Cornell University

  Certificate of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Skills

• Transportation Safety
• Time Management
• Management
• Team Building
• Logistics Management
• Locomotive
• Contract Management
• Public Transport
• Labor Relations
• Freight
• Training
• Logistics
• Software Documentation
• Supervisory Skills
• Change Management
• Safety Management Systems
• Team Leadership
• Project Management
• Inventory Management
• Transportation
• Railway
• Troubleshooting
• Policy
• Strategic Planning
• Labor Management
• Operations Management
• Start-Ups
• Project Planning
• Maintenance Management
• Budgets
• Transportation Planning
• Cost Management
• Operating Budgets
• Light Rail
• Freight Transportation
• Emergency Management
• Analysis
• Safety
• Transportation Management
• Operational Efficiency