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• Leader of the Arts

Neil and Sue Williams

June, 2004

Neil and Sue Williams grew up together in Charlotte, North Carolina. They attended the same high school where they both sang in the choir and played string bass in the orchestra. They were married in 1958 and moved to Atlanta in 1961. Six years later, they were elated when Robert Shaw, the idol of their high school choir director, came to Atlanta. They became devoted supporters of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, including singing under him in the ASO Chorus, and their enthusiasm has remained strong ever since.

Neil received his undergraduate as well as law degree from Duke University. In Atlanta, he was a partner with the law firm Alston & Bird until 1996, when upon his departure, the firm endowed a chair in the ASO in Neil and Sue’s honor. The chair is now held by Donald Runnicles, Principal Guest Conductor. Neil is currently Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Woodruff Arts Center and for many years was a director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, including service as President of the Board.

Sue is a singer, music educator, and arts advocate. She has been a kindergarten music teacher at Trinity School, a voice teacher at Kennesaw State University, and a free lance writer about music. She currently teaches perceptive listening in classes in her living room, at Emory University’s Life Long Learning Center, and Mercer Senior University, as well as works with voice students and presents concert previews for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Sue serves on the boards of the Music School at Georgia State University, the Georgian Chamber Players, and the Friends of Music of Emory University. She also serves on the Education Task Force and the Library Task Force for the ASO’s new Symphony Center and on the Appassionata Committee for the Symphony.

For their enthusiastic support of music in Atlanta, Neil and Sue Williams exemplify the spirit of a Lexus Leader of the Arts.