Gainesville, FL - The Board of Directors of GRACE Marketplace is pleased to announce the appointment of Darius Williams, MS, ABA, SME as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 6, 2025.

Williams brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in human services, higher education, and nonprofit management, with a career dedicated to addressing homelessness, behavioral health, and justice-impacted communities.

Before his appointment as CEO, Williams served as Director of Outreach Programs in Ohio’s second-largest city, where he expanded services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. He has also held senior leadership roles in higher education, including Acting Dean of Student Learning and Program Chair for Justice Studies and Human Services at Rasmussen University. Additionally, Williams has served as Board Chair of a nonprofit for over a decade, as well as Board Chair for Rasmussen University’s Human Services and Justice Studies programs.

Most recently, he worked as a forensic therapist, providing clinical services to homeless families and youth while collaborating closely with community partners, courts, and schools. Williams holds advanced degrees in psychology and human services and is currently completing his Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) at California Southern University.

“I am honored to join GRACE Marketplace as CEO and to continue the vital work of supporting our neighbors experiencing homelessness,” said Williams. “GRACE has already built a strong foundation of compassion and innovation, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team, partners, and community to expand sustainable solutions that restore dignity, stability, and hope.”

Kevin Spellicy, Chair of the GRACE Marketplace Board of Directors, welcomed Williams to the role, stating:  “The Board is thrilled to welcome Darius as our next CEO. His proven track record of leadership, deep commitment to service, and ability to bring people together will be invaluable as we enter this next chapter for GRACE. We are confident that under his leadership, GRACE will continue to grow as a national model for compassionate, effective responses to homelessness.”

Williams succeeds Interim CEO John Thomas, who has guided the organization through this leadership transition since January 2025. 

GRACE Marketplace would like to extend an invitation to our media partners and community members to meet Darius at a Meet & Greet and Tasting Experience at the Good Pour on October 9th, 2025, from 5 PM to 7:30 PM. For more information on this event, please contact Leesha English, Director of Advancement, at leesha@gracemarketplace.org. 

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Spellicy, Board Chair

GRACE Marketplace

(352) 359-8012

spellicy@campbellspellicy.com

Click here to download Darius’s headshot.

Click here to download the Meet & Greet invite.

**About GRACE Marketplace** 

GRACE is a one-stop assistance center and low-barrier emergency shelter for people without housing in Gainesville and Alachua County, Florida. Since 2014, GRACE has been at the forefront of innovative housing solutions, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts that drive impactful change. The agency provides a wide range of services, including emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, housing-focused street outreach, free meals, and more to people without housing. 

###