Jeff Williams

“He was so grateful for all of the growth he gained from his experience at Principia and looked for opportunities to share this—or in his words, ‘share the love’—with everyone.”
- Jenifer Williams C’88

Upon his arrival at Principia, Jeff quickly established himself as an accomplished soccer player and leader who exhibited all the qualities of the “whole man.” He was a four-year starter, three-year captain, and the Most Valuable Player all four seasons. He also achieved All-Conference and All-Midwest honors, and he served one season as the team’s assistant coach.

After college, Jeff’s approach to his professional work in marketing and branding was that of a coach as well, providing leadership, vision, and creativity—always with the goal of excellence. He led management teams for companies such as Player Sports, Etonic Athletic, and Benetton Sports Systems before taking an entrepreneurial step and becoming founder and CEO of his own footwear company.

Jeff carried his quest for excellence into his work at Principia as Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Marketing. In both capacities, he brought together and coached teams of staff members who supported his passion for sharing the benefits of the Principia experience. A colleague sums up the far-reaching effect of Jeff’s work with others: “He was a man of great character, including incredible unselfishness, which was best revealed in his leadership. His great and rare leadership style was to always seek out and make others better—even those who didn’t work for him.”