By BETH CHAPMAN / Community Columnist

Terri Williams is the regional director of Regulatory and External Affairs for AT&T in Alabama. She is responsible for legislative and external affairs in 17 counties including Shelby as well as counties in West Alabama.

She serves as a liaison to state and local officials as well as represents AT&T on non-profit boards and organizations that support AT&T’s corporate and citizenship initiatives.

Wiliams is a leader in our county serving as past president of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, a committee member of Shelby One, a board member of the Shelby County Industrial Economic Development Authority, Trustee Member of the Hoover Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Board Member for the Shelby County Arts Council, a member and praise team singer at Double Oak Community Church and a member of the South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. She is just as active in other communities she serves.

When asked to define leadership, Williams said, “A good leader gives you the freedom to use your own strengths and talents to get the job done – getting from point A to point B as long as you complete the task with honesty and integrity.” She describes that process as “Making it your own.”

Williams said she finds team members to be more productive when they are allowed to be creative, thus creating ownership. “The best advice I have received has been from my time at AT&T where my leaders provide a non-threatening work environment.”

“A good leader allows you to make mistakes so you can have an opportunity for growth,” said Williams. “I am an editor at heart so I always look at past experiences, good or bad and see how I can ‘red ink’ them to improve for the next challenge.”

Williams recently returned from a mission trip to an Indian Reservation out west. She and 15 of her fellow church members ministered to more than 70 children a day through leading a Vacation Bible Study.

When it comes to leadership in our community, Williams has certainly made it her own.

She lives in Chelsea with her husband, David, and has three stepchildren.