The LIFT JAX Board of Directors unanimously appointed Travis Williams to be its next president and CEO.
Williams will lead LIFT JAX’s mission to eliminate poverty and build generational wealth through resident-led revitalization in Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside.
“Travis is a dynamic leader who has earned the respect of our staff, residents, partners and Board,” Michelle Braun, LIFT JAX board chair, said in a June 4 news release.
“His deep knowledge of our work, his operational strengths, and—most importantly—his vision and heart for the Eastside make him the right leader at the right time for our organization.”
Williams’ family has lived in Eastside for more than 100 years. He spent time in neighborhood landmarks like the historic Debs Store, recently revitalized by LIFT JAX, and developed respect for the community’s history and sense of belonging.
Williams joined the organization in 2021 as vice president of operations and impact, following his role as a founding LIFT JAX Steering Committee and board member.
He was later promoted to chief operating officer and, most recently, served as interim CEO.
“I am proud of the relationships and momentum we have built OutEast over the last few years,” Williams said in the release.
“In this new role, our team will continue to work alongside residents, business owners and community partners to foster trust through meaningful action. This is more than a job for me, this work is a calling. My vision for the Eastside is the same vision the neighborhood has for itself, to foster a thriving community where residents, local businesses and institutions will flourish for generations.”
LIFT JAX said during his tenure, Williams worked with local small business leaders to bring Jacksonville its first Main Street designation and create Florida Avenue Main Street; collaborating with neighborhood residents, business owners, faith leaders and experts to negotiate a Community Benefits Agreement; and partnering with the Historic Eastside Community Development Corp. to repair nearly 100 homes to help homeowners remain in place.
In addition to his role at LIFT JAX, Williams is on the boards of Rethreaded, The Potter’s House International Ministries, Thrive Scholars and the Stanton Alumni Association. He chairs the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for the Urban Land Institute of North Florida and is a member of the Blue Zones steering committee.
Williams is an alumnus of LifeWork Leadership and recipient of the 2023 University of North Florida Alumni Achievement Award. He received an undergraduate degree from UNF and is an alumnus of Jacksonville University’s Executive MBA Program and a Cradle to Career Fellow at Harvard University.
LIFT JAX implements the Purpose Built Communities model in Jacksonville’s Eastside, also known as OutEast.
The nationally recognized program works to improve under-resourced neighborhoods across the country by focusing on four components: high-quality, mixed-income housing; cradle-to-career education; community wellness; and long-term financial vitality for residents.