NSBE Magazine - Fall 2010 - 26

Byron Williams of ExxonMobil Inspiring a New Generation of Engineers
s a general rule, Popsicles are a well-loved but short-lived summer treat. After finishing the frozen end, most children discard the stick without a second thought. Of course, for every rule, there is an exception. Byron Williams, civil engineer and project execution manager for ExxonMobil, is that exception. “As a young boy, I loved to build model houses out of Popsicle sticks because I had a passion for construction,” Williams recalls. Williams was not only curious and creative in play, but also in school. He was “…I welcome an inquisitive child who excelled in math and Williams credits this early academic the chance to science. partly to role models who encouraged success him to ask ‘why’ and to believe in a bright future work directly full of possibility. with students Williams’ belief in a promising future was reinforced when engineers came to his high to open their school to recruit students into collegiate programs. After learning about civil engineering, eyes to difWilliams knew he had found his calling. Upon ferent profes- graduation, Williams entered Prairie View A&M University on an academic and basketball sional paths scholarship. In 1987, he graduated as the university’s top civil engineering student and in math and immediately started his career with ExxonMobil. science.” In fact, Williams’ association with ExxonMobil began before his first day on the job. ExxonMobil was and remains a significant underwriter for NACME, an organization that supported his academic scholarship. Ultimately, Williams identified ExxonMobil as his employer of choice, because the company offered strong mentorship networks, stimulating work and significant leadership opportunities. Twenty-three years later, the company’s unchanging commitment to integrity has kept Williams an enthusiastic employee, although his role has changed considerably. After beginning as a construction engineer in Gulf of Mexico operations, Williams quickly progressed to more advanced technical and supervisory positions. In 2001, Williams moved to London, where he was a senior planning advisor for Africa & Europe. In 2002, he became a project manager for a water injection project in Equatorial Guinea. Williams’ portfolio has since expanded
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exponentially. He has conducted construction workshops, readiness reviews and due diligence studies for projects ranging from Africa to Europe to Asia. Williams was especially instrumental in establishing ExxonMobil’s operations in the deep water off the coast of Nigeria. From 2005 to 2007, he developed the Nigeria Development Execution Organization to coordinate in-country logistics, material handling and management. Williams is now part of a leadership team that supports more than 1,000 ExxonMobil Production Company projects worldwide with annual expenditures of $3 billion. However, annual budget and project scope do not do justice to the work done by Williams and his team at ExxonMobil, whose work reaches far outside of the office. “I believe part of the role that we play as professionals is to expose younger kids to our profession and to the wonderful opportunities and career potential that exist in the engineering field,” Williams explains. ExxonMobil shares that belief. As an ExxonMobil executive, NACME scholar, NSBE lifetime member and active community leader, Williams uses professional connections and local memberships to mentor students and inspire up-andcoming engineers. Williams emphasizes the importance of inspiring children when they are young, because the foundation of any successful engineering career begins with early math and science education. “It really starts all the way back in the second or third grade,” Williams explains. “That’s why I welcome the chance to work directly with students to open their eyes to different professional paths in math and science.” Williams is not alone in spreading this message. ExxonMobil’s signature community investment initiatives promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, education in primary schools. The company supports efforts including the National Math + Science Initiative, Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academies, Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps, Introduce a Girl to Engineering, Science Ambassadors, and Sally Ride Science Academies. Although the young boys and girls who attend these programs may be disguised as Popsiclearchitects today, they are the key to building a better tomorrow. ExxonMobil and its employees recognize the importance of encouraging and promoting that young potential. ■
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NSBE Magazine - Fall 2010

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