Grady Williams says that after decades of working in the accounting field, he may be ready for a spring break.
“I’ve never had spring break in 53 years,” he joked as he speculated about what’s next in his life after accepting the Chattanooga Area Manager of the Year Award.
The former managing partner of CPA firm Hazlett Lewis & Bieter and now an affiliate of accounting firm Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain talked a little about his success in business and fund-raising, saying he’s a doer and not a planner.
“I’m a hard worker,” he said. “I’ll out work you.”
Mr. Williams, 75, said he has had a lot of fun raising money for various campaigns over the years.
“All they can say is no. I haven’t been shot,” he quipped.
Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield said Mr. Williams is “a person who shows up when there’s a specific need in the community.”
“Grady shows up with a smile,” he added.
Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey called Mr. Williams “a private citizen who walks the walk and talks the talk and gets it done.”
“He’s a private citizen who walks the walk and talks the talk and gets it done.” — Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey on Grady Williams
Tennessee Aquarium President Charlie Arant, last year’s winner, cited a list of achievements of Mr. Williams.
He called the manager of the year award “a well-deserved honor for one of our most committed citizens.”
Amid the tough economy, one of the biggest reactions from the group of several hundred people at the Convention Center was when Mr. Williams talked about helping organize CapitalMark Bank here. He noted it has provided about 50 new jobs.