Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Chief Financial Officer Tutonial Williams has been named among the Memphis Business Journal’s (MBJ) top 40 under 40. For more than a quarter-century, the publication has recognized individuals under 40 who have conquered their chosen careers and made the community a better place to live.

Chief Williams has successfully managed the fiscal operations of the 2nd largest employer in Memphis/Shelby County and the largest public school district in Tennessee – MSCS. Additionally, she is responsible for balancing and managing the District’s largest historical budget of over $2.2 billion, including COVID-19 relief funds. Under her leadership, the MSCS Department of Finance has received unmodified clean opinions (audits) and monitoring by external auditors since 2019 and by the USDOE and TNDOE. With financial guidance from Williams, the District also received recognitions for the 2021-22 Fiscal year:

• Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) “Best for All District”
• Recognized for ESSER investments in Council of Great City Schools (CGCS) Urban Educator Newsletter
• U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) “ARP Stars” (American Rescue Plan)

“I am truly honored to receive this recognition amongst other exceptional leaders in Memphis/Shelby County,” said Williams. “In this role, I am able to make a direct impact on education in our community by ensuring the District sustains its ability to provide highly effective resources and opportunities for students.”

Williams, a Memphis native, graduated from Whitehaven High School in the top of her class and later attended Clark Atlanta University – earning both a Masters and Bachelors of Arts in Accounting with honors. In addition to her service to MSCS, she is a New Memphis Fellow, Leadership Memphis graduate, and a mentor to young ladies through the Youth Villages program.