In Memoriam: Longtime MECU Board Chair Herman Williams Jr.

The City of Baltimore and Maryland’s largest credit union, MECU, is honoring the legacy of a pioneer, Herman Williams, Jr., who passed away Saturday at the age of 90.

Williams, the father of TV host Montel Williams, was Baltimore’s first African American fire chief and served as the first African American board chair of the $4.7 billion MECU in Linthicum, Md.

Williams was known affectionately as “Chief,” and was passionate about the credit union movement and MECU meeting the financial needs of its members, MECU said in a statement Tuesday remembering Williams and his leadership. Williams served on the board for more than 31 years and in the role as chair for 29 years.

“We feel a large void with the loss of this strong, charismatic leader. We have so many great memories of Chief visiting with MECU staff and members alike, never forgetting to thank them for their support,” MECU President/CEO John Hamilton said. “We will always be grateful for his leadership and his commitment to MECU and the community.”

MECU Board Chair Roman Clark added, “Chief was a one-of-a-kind that made a permanent mark on all that knew him. He was a leader, a mentor and a friend. We will honor Chief and his memory by keeping his legacy of service alive.”

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said Williams embodied the true spirit of public service.

“The difference he made blazing the trail for Black firefighters to serve in (the Baltimore City Fire Department) and his unwavering commitment to our residents and the City of Baltimore will always be remembered,” Mayor Scott said on his Twitter page.

Williams became a member of MECU when he joined the city’s fire department in 1954. He worked his way up its ranks and became a battalion chief in 1977. Three years later, he left the fire department for an executive position with Baltimore’s Department of Public Works, where he developed an apprentice program and its equal opportunity and affirmative action policies, according to a CBS Baltimore media report.

He was appointed Baltimore’s fire chief in 1992. One of the many initiatives he created was a citywide smoke detector program that has been credited with saving lives, CBS Baltimore reported. He retired from the fire department in 2001.

Williams joined MECU’s board of directors in 1990 and was elected its chair in 1992, a position he held until 2021.

MECU said Williams was extremely passionate about community service and made sure that the credit union was involved in giving back and investing profits with many community partners. He routinely volunteered with staff members participating in community events and was always proud to serve and represent MECU.

One of the many programs Williams initiated was the MECU Charity Golf Tournament in 2005 that raised money for the MECU Foundation. Over the years, the foundation raised more than $1.1 million, which supports education and funds scholarships.

In 2003, Williams authored and published “Firefighter,” which recounts his struggles against, and eventual triumph over, the racial discrimination he faced for decades while working a series of jobs in public transportation, public works and firefighting.

Funeral arrangements are pending, according to the Baltimore Sun.