Lisa Williams-Taylor, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
2300 High Ridge Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Lisa Williams-Taylor is the Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County (CSC), an independent district created by county voters in 1986. She has served the Council in this role since 2015 and has been with the Council since 2004. Dr. Williams-Taylor believes that all children deserve the best chance of growing up healthy, safe and strong, and works hard to ensure that CSC, in collaboration with partners and the community, work together to serve Palm Beach County’s children and families. Through CSC’s funding to more than 680 local organizations, the results are clear that CSC is making a difference.
Background
Before becoming CEO, Dr. Williams-Taylor was the Chief Program Officer for CSC, responsible for strategic planning. She created an accountability system to ensure taxpayer dollars were focused on the most effective programs and services, and played a lead role in bringing more than 11 evidence-based programs to the community. Dr. Williams-Taylor has extensive experience working with local, state and national policymakers to build evidence-based systems of care.
Prior to working at CSC, Dr. Williams-Taylor delivered direct services to individuals with mental health needs, and spent many years in research and evaluation in the areas of criminal justice, mental health and addiction. She has authored more than 25 publications, including two books.
Dr. Williams-Taylor holds master’s degrees in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, as well as a doctorate degree in Criminal Justice from the City University of New York Graduate Center.
Community
Dr. Williams-Taylor is recognized as a leader in the community. She recently received the Women in Leadership award from Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation (2019), Community Champion award from Prime Time (2018), the Giraffe Award from the Women’s Chamber (2018) and Outstanding Executive Champion from United Way (2016).
She serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Florida Children’s Services Council, United Way of Palm Beach County, the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Community Alliance, the Circuit 15 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, the Hunger Relief Advisory Committee, School Safety committee and Birth to 22: United for Brighter Futures Coalition, among many others.
Dr. Williams-Taylor also enjoys giving back to the community directly. Soon after becoming CEO, she established a Community Involvement & Volunteer Committee at CSC, which allows staff to use work hours to volunteer locally. She is a Leadership Palm Beach County alumni, where she co-chairs the annual Education Day. She also is a member of Leadership Florida. On weekends, you can find her packing and sorting boxes of food for CROS Ministries, being a celebrity soup server for the Palm Beach County Food Bank, or walking the runaway as a fashion model for one of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County’s fundraisers.
Family
Dr. Williams-Taylor enjoys spending time with her family and loves the outdoors. She likes biking, swimming, hiking, and traveling to the beach or the mountains for quick family getaways.
