James A. Williams has been the Superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools since 2005. Prior to his appointment, he was Chief Academic Officer (CAO) for Community Education Partners (CEP), an education company that works in partnership with public schools and the community to assist disruptive and low-performing students in getting back on track.

Dr. Williams has had a long and accomplished career in public education, with over 39 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, administrator, lecturer, and author.  He began his teaching career in the District of Columbia Public Schools in Washington, D.C. After serving in a variety of administrative positions for the District of Columbia Public Schools, he joined the Dayton Public Schools in Ohio as the Assistant Superintendent for intermediate/secondary instruction.  There, he rose to become the Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent of Schools.  He also served the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland as the Deputy Superintendent of Schools.

In all of the above capacities, Dr. Williams distinguished himself as an outstanding educator.  Among his many awards and honors are: the Richard R. Green Award, Urban Educator of the Year, awarded by the Council of Great City Schools; Presidential Citation, Distinguished Alumni Award, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education; Danforth Fellow; Peter F. Drucker Foundation, Frances Hesselbein Community Innovation Fellow; and, Omega Psi Phi, Citizen of the Year (named twice).  He is known for his work in curriculum and instruction, and his contributions include over one hundred presentations and publications.

Dr. Williams received his B.S. degree in Business Administration from Virginia University at Lynchburg; his M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of the District of Columbia' and, his Ed.D. in Administration and Curriculum from The George Washington University.

Dr. Williams and his wife Linda have three children, Jamie, Lia, and Lawrence.