2014 Distinguished Gentlemen Honoree: Garth Williams, MBA

Garth Williams, MBA

Director of Finance, Calder Casino and Race Course

When asked to summarize in a few words how he motivates himself, Garth will look you straight in the eyes and say “The proof of what you desire is in your pursuit of it”.   A firm believer in leading by example Garth actively pursues ways to pay-it-forward and helps those around him to develop professionally and personally.  Although clearly a natural leader he credits his success on his willingness to face his fears and acknowledge and address his short-comings.  He recalls spending his formative academic years struggling with an aversion to Mathematics as well as an innate speech impediment.   He now holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Nova Southeastern University and works as Director of Finance at Calder Casino & Race Course.  A $100M/yr. property in Miami Gardens, Florida owned and operated by the legendary Churchill Downs Inc.

Born and raised in the island of Jamaica, Garth obtained an undergraduate degree in Hotel & Resort Management from The University of Technology and The University of the West Indies’ Joint Degree Program.  He has held several positions with international hospitality companies such as Sandals Resorts and Air Jamaica.  Garth got his first taste of the Casino business when he worked for Supreme Ventures Ltd, the operators of Jamaica’s national lottery.  He acknowledges getting in on the ground floor of their new Slot machine operation as the major catalyst behind him switching gears professionally.  He played an integral role in the development of the company’s newest brand and he hasn’t looked back since.

Five years after graduating from NSU he has held several leadership positions in the two North American casino companies he has worked for and is most proud of his growth as a leader and his ability to generate and implement ideas and processes that contribute to the development of talent and the bottom-line.  Celebrating his fifth year at Calder, Garth is now on his fourth leadership position with the company and has a strong reputation across the enterprise as being an expert on its’ processes. If asked he will describe himself as a “work-in-progress” and derives joy and satisfaction from supporting programs and initiatives that develop young people and build the community.

Garth recently completed his second term as Vice President of Operations for the Urban League of Broward County’s Young Professionals Network.   His experiences and opportunities to serve during his time on the board are a source of pride for him.  The ULBCYPN credits him as being personally responsible for raising over $10K in donations over the course of his 2 years.  In 2013 Garth was recognized by Legacy magazine of The Miami Herald as one of South Florida’s Top 40 under 40 Black Leaders of Tomorrow.

About Distinguished Gentlemen

Distinguished Gentlemen: Honoring the Gentlemen Making An Impact, powered by The K. Jules Project, celebrates our emerging African-American male business and community leaders while also raising funds to support boys & men of color initiatives.

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