President & CEO

Growing up as a teenager was not easy for Tennille; she lost her dad, who was her best friend at the age of 12. Her dad, Keith Williams, was a New York City Detective, killed in the line of duty on November 13, 1989, along with his partner Richard Guerzon. This incident was a total devastation for both families and their communities.

 

Tennille’s dad was very instrumental in the growth of his local neighborhood kids, through sports and mentoring. Everyone loved Keith! So, in 1990, Tennille’s mom, Ms. Rita Williams, decided to honor her husband by carrying out his legacy and birthing The Detective Keith L. Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund, which raised over $200,000 for deserving High School Students. During this time, Tennille was Junior Chairperson of the organization, in which she successfully assisted with fund-raisers and the selection of scholarship recipients. She has been a guest speaker on several radio stations and community events and was also instrumental in getting Liberty Avenue & 172nd Street renamed to Detective Keith L. Williams Way; as well as renaming of Liberty Park to Detective Keith L. Williams Park. Following in the footsteps of her parents, Tennille decided to join New York city’s Finest in 2018, where she currently “bridges the gap” between police officers, communities, and civilians.

 

As the current President and CEO of the (now) Detective Keith L. Williams Memorial Charitable Fund, Ince., Tennille’s mission is to continue the work of honoring her father by leading a team who supports the community through education, fostering youth, and police partnership. The Fund’s goal is to open a recreational clinic, enabling children to strive learn and love!