Heritage Foundation of Williamson County staffer Kristy Williams resigned from her position as Main Street Director to pursue other personal passions and to focus on family. However, she pledges to continue to be involved with the Heritage Foundation as a volunteer.
Williams stated, “One of the things I have always said about my goal in life is to make a difference, no matter where I worked. I believe I have been able to do that at the Heritage Foundation. One of the most rewarding things has been working with the volunteers that give their time to support the Foundation’s many efforts. Now, I look forward to being on the flip side of the volunteer program – as an active participant.”
Heritage Foundation CEO Bari Beasley said, “Kristy Williams’ impact on the Heritage Foundation and on the city of Franklin has been absolutely remarkable over the past 14 years. She has always approached her work with such passion and vision. As a result, Franklin truly has one of the best Main Street Programs in America. However, Kristy is so much more than a main street director or an employee of the Heritage Foundation; she is a friend to all of us. Kristy will be greatly missed, and we wish her much happiness in the next chapter of her life.”
Williams began working for the Foundation in 2004 after 19 years in the banking industry. After initially being hired in a part-time role, she grew in her position and managed several facets of the organization like the membership program, volunteer program, Heritage Ball auctions, Tour of Homes events, annual fund, the Franklin Theatre pledges and others.
Williams explained, “After thinking I would work for a year or two at the Heritage Foundation, I fell in love with the preservation of the Franklin Theatre. Seeing the more than 1,000 donors coming together to save the Franklin Theatre was exciting and exhilarating. I was convinced that preserving this one building would forever change Historic Downtown Franklin, and it has!”
Ten years after joining the Heritage Foundation, she transitioned into the main street program director role with DFA in 2014, working closely with the DFA Executive Board, City of Franklin, Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, downtown Franklin business owners and downtown Franklin building owners. Williams has served on committees to help create a Franklin Public Art Ordinance and the Parking Commission.
Williams added, “I am grateful for my time with the Heritage Foundation and DFA. I’d like to thank Rudy Jordan, Mary Pearce and Bari Beasley for all their leadership and support. I know the Heritage Foundation and DFA are in good hands, and I look forward to supporting them in a volunteer capacity. I also look forward to spending more time with my large family. With over 80 cousins and 15 nieces and nephews, there’s a whole new chapter of my life just beginning.