Harold C. Williams, MSCE, P.E., DTM, was elected to the West Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors in November 2014, and again in 2018 and 2022. He represents the Division I cities of Carson, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, as well as the unincorporated Los Angeles County area of Rancho Dominguez.
Williams chairs West Basin’s Public Information and Education Committee, and is a member of the Engineering and Operations Committee and the Finance and Administration Committee.
In addition, he is a member of the Building Board of Appeals, County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works.
From 2018 until 2022, Williams served as one of two West Basin representatives on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors. Williams is also a former West Basin representative and member of the National Water Research Institute board, and the CalDesal executive committee.
Williams is a California registered civil engineer by profession, a career that he has had nearly 50 years. He is currently in private practice as a consulting civil engineer helping cities and special districts meet their infrastructure challenges.
Prior to his current roles, Williams led the department of public works for the city of Gardena as the Director of Public Works and City Engineer. He has held similar positions with the cities of Carson, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, and Lynwood.
A longtime Carson resident and community leader, Williams has held leadership positions in numerous civic organizations and served on different city commissions. In 2004, he was elected to the Carson City Council, and re-elected in 2005 in a regularly scheduled election. During Williams’ second term on city council, he served as an “At-Large” Director on the League of California Cities Board of Directors. He was also a member of the League’s Environmental Quality Policy Committee, Los Angeles County division.
As an active member of his professional community, Williams served as president of the American Public Works Association—Southern California Chapter; president of the City and County Engineer’s Association; and treasurer of the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers.
He is also involved in various service organizations such as the Carson Lions Club and the International Association of Lions Clubs.
Williams’ list of accolades and service acknowledgements include:
- American Public Works Association, Southern California Chapter, Top Elected Official Award, 2015
- City of Carson, Unity Day Harmony Award, 2003
- Carson Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Carson member, 2003
- Los Angeles County Democratic Party, Male Democrat of the Year, 2002
- Los Angeles County Democratic Party, 64th Assembly District Delegation elected chair
- Faith Hope & Love, Unlimited Faith Award for more than three decades of community service
- Toastmasters International, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Award for Communication and Leadership Excellence
Williams graduated from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles. He earned his associate’s degree from Los Angeles Trade Technical Community College, and received his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles. In addition, he earned a master’s degree in Civil Engineering and a certificate in small business from California State University, Long Beach.
