Carolyn Williams

Co-Chair

Ms. Williams graduated from Chester County High School in 1955 and attended West Tennessee Business College in nearby Jackson, TN. Following college, Ms. Williams sought opportunity and took a job as an office manager for Seiffert Graphics.

In 1961, Carolyn married A. Duncan Williams and forged a life along the successes of his ability as a high producer in the municipal bond industry. At one point in the late 60’s, Memphis reigned as the nation’s largest sales force for fixed income, including New York’s financial district.  Her husband had an ambitious plan of starting his own fixed income firm.

In April 1969, she helped her husband found Duncan-Williams, Inc.  While raising their two small children, Duncan and Emily, Carolyn set her feet on the path to learning the investment banking business over the next 20 years.  The company grew its business interests into that of a regional brokerage firm, underwriting municipal debt as the Southeastern United States was experiencing a boom in population.

But in 1989, the operation was jolted by her husband’s death and Carolyn became the owner of Duncan-Williams, Inc.  It was her strong resolve to hold on to the family firm and, to this day, the core of those who resumed business the day after Mr. Williams’ passing are still at the helm. Today, she remains the Co-Chair of the Board as Duncan-Williams, Inc. celebrates its 40th year of existence. Ms. Williams is a fixture at the family’s firm.

She has lent her time and business insight to many charitable causes and has served as a member of the Board of Directors at the Bank of Germantown in Germantown, Tennessee.  Carolyn currently serves on the Board of the University of Memphis Foundation as well as the university's Board of Visitors. Carolyn also is a patron of the arts and is a Board member of Theatre Memphis. Her greatest passion, though, is spending time on the Williams’ family farm called “The Roost” in Clarksdale, MS with close friends, generations of family, and creating memories with her growing list of grandchildren.