Williams, Chester S. (Chester Sidney), 1907-1992

American Chester Sidney Williams (b. 1907) was an administrator of educational programs and a public relations officer for the United States and the United Nations, from 1930 to 1952. From 1952 to 1963, he was a public relations consultant for private businesses and non-profit agencies. In 1968, Williams retired to Sarasota, Florida, where became very involved in community affairs and hosted radio and television programs. Williams advocated for global awareness and an emphasis on internationalism and pacifism in education.

Chester Sidney Williams (1907-1992), worked in fourteen countries between 1928-1929 as representative of the Convention des Etudiants. From 1930-1931 he was the Executive Secretary for the National Student Federation of America. During the thirties he held several positions in the Educational Branch of Government. He was a lecturer for adult education forums (1932-1934); Assistant to the U.S. Commission of Education (1934-1936); and Assistant Administrator of Federal Forum Program (1936-1941) under John W. Studebaker.

From 1941-1942, Williams was Director of Adult Civic Education for the U.S. Office of Education, in which he developed war information centers in all of the states. In 1942, he was sent to England to work for the Office of War Information in charge of distributing educational programs abroad. From 1943-1944, he was Chief of Educational Programs for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. He worked as Public Liaison Officer for the Department of State from 1946-1950. At this same time (1946-1952) he was Deputy Director in the Office of Public Information, U.S. Mission to the U.N. Williams then became President of World Information, Inc.

Between 1952-1963, he operated some private business and did public relations work for other businesses and non-profit agencies. Among these were Hill and Knowlton, Inc., Gaynor and Ducas, Inc., American Cancer Society, International Rescue Committee, Hudson Institute, and Freedom House.

He officially retired in 1968 to his home in Sarasota, Florida where he conducted a weekly radio hour, and a television talk show. He was very involved in community affairs. Williams wrote extensively on education. He was very active in the push towards global awareness and advocated an education focus emphasizing internationalism and pacifism. Williams was married to Elizabeth Kemp in 1931. They had one son--Jon Allen. After his wife Elizabeth passed away, he married Frances Smith on February 19, 1974.