The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District announces the selection of Byron D. Williams, PMP, as our new deputy district engineer for Programs and Project Management – the highest attainable civilian position within the Galveston District.
“I’m ecstatic and honored to continuing to serve and provide leadership to the Galveston District, which is taking delivery of our products and services to the next level of performance for our partners, customers and stakeholders,” said Williams about his selection.
A 24-year veteran of the Army Corps of Engineers, Williams succeeds Edmond J. Russo, Ph.D., who was selected in September 2020 to be the director of the Environmental Laboratory at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
In his new position, Williams leads a $4.5 billion program of feasibility studies, assessments, engineering, design, construction projects and related services for an area along the Texas coast spanning 50,000 square miles from Louisiana to Mexico. He helps the Galveston District sustain navigation economics that are vital to the nation, while managing coastal risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, regulatory functions, emergency operations, and military construction mission areas.
“Byron has been invaluable in helping our Galveston District transition from a custodial district to one focusing on the priorities and challenges of championing the entire Texas coast,” said Col. Timothy Vail, USACE Galveston District commander. “Byron has fantastic credentials and will be able to pick up right where Edmond left off as our deputy for programs and project management. We look forward to him continuing the great work he has done for the District as he serves in this new role.”
Williams has served as the chief of project management in the Galveston District since December 2016. During his time in project management, Williams was integral in achieving project authorizations for improvement to the Houston Ship Channel and a $1.5 billion project for the Sabine-Neches Waterway. His most recent duties as chief of project management included coordinating the planning, scope, development, design, and construction of all major projects within the Galveston District’s Civil Works portfolio.
Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Southern University in 1995. He is a certified project management professional and a graduate of the Army Management Staff College. He spends his free time refereeing college and high school basketball games.