Talent Citizen congratulates Frantz Fanon Williams on his appointment as Director, Special Initiatives at Boston University, effective September 25, 2023. As an employee of the Development and Alumni Relations division and in partnership with Associate Vice President, Special Initiatives Ron Gray, Frantz will conceptualize and execute a comprehensive development strategy on behalf of the Center for Antiracist Research, ensuring a coordinated and thoughtful approach to all activities meant to engage BU’s leading prospects and donors for the Center.
With more than ten years of experience in a variety of fundraising positions within nonprofit organizations and higher education, Frantz brings expertise in donor cultivation, volunteer engagement, and fundraising strategy. Most recently, he served as the Director of Development for Breakthrough Miami and managed a diverse portfolio of individual and corporate donors. Previously, Frantz worked for five years at Florida International University, first as development manager at the university’s Frost Art Museum, followed by three years of service as a gift officer for the FIU Foundation. Notably, Frantz was the primary researcher and lead for Black Male Initiatives under Florida International University’s Office of Inclusive Philanthropy (FOIP). The Office is a university platform for creating equitable systems, inclusive communities, and authentic belonging with university and community stakeholders. In 2020, Frantz volunteered to take part in the Initiative, supporting long-term planning, implementation, and training for Foundation staff members to be empowered to promote scalable DEIB initiatives. Frantz’s work for Black Male Initiatives included personally raising $2M, with his research and strategy laying the foundation for the Office’s subsequent success in securing more than $40M.
Named after the anti-colonial revolutionary and author Frantz Fanon, Frantz finds his new role at the intersection of his passions for philanthropy and anti-racism research. Frantz’s community-driven volunteerism extends to civic projects and service to the field of professional fundraisers. He has been an active executive volunteer for Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III, Co-Chair of the Professional Development Committee for Men of Color in Development (MOCID) national network, a member of the National Forum for Black Professional Administrators (NFBPA), and a graduate of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Miami program (Cohort 41). In 2021, Frantz was recognized as one of Legacy Miami’s “40 Under 40” Black Leaders of Today and Tomorrow.
Frantz graduated magna cum laude with Bachelor of Arts degrees in both English and Sociology from the University of Florida. He earned a Master of Public Administration from Florida International University.
Talent Citizen President Tracy Welsh led this search with Managing Associate Rachel K. Partin and Senior Associate Britni Russell-Bianchi.