Rick Williams provides strategic advice to nonprofits and funders, focusing on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, thoughtful strategic planning, and successful implementation.  His firm, Realize Consulting Group, is a strategic partner of La Piana Associates.

Previously he led the Human Services grantmaking programs and initiatives of the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation.  As National Programs Director, his responsibilities were to define, develop, and implement initiatives that sought to prepare youth leaving the foster care system for adulthood, reduce homelessness, end intergenerational poverty, increase after-school services, and expand substance abuse treatment for children and their families.

Prior to joining the Foundation in September 2001, Rick served as Chief Operating Officer for EMQ Children and Family Services, a $47 million children’s behavioral healthcare organization based in Campbell, CA.  He also previously served as the Deputy Director of the Santa Clara County’s Mental Health Department with an annual budget of $80 million, and as Director of the Santa Clara County’s psychiatric inpatient services with an annual budget of $30 million.

During his 20-plus years of executive management experience, Rick has developed numerous programs, including Santa Clara County's first teenage pregnancy prevention program, the county's first mental health agency devoted to serving African American families, and California's first wrap-around services for children and families. He is an accredited change management trainer and has extensive experience in program implementation.

Rick holds an M.A. in clinical psychology and organizational development from Antioch University, and a B.S. in clinical psychology from Washington State University. He currently serves on the KALW Public Radio Advisory Committee, the Asset Policy Initiative of California Policy Committee, and the Children’s Saving Account Initiative Advisory Board, and serves as Treasurer of the Silicon Valley Law Foundation.