Get to Know Marvon Williams

Marvon Williams
Vice Chairman, Acworth Downtown Development Authority

What are your main responsibilities?
The Acworth Downtown Development Authority’s vision is to help create a vibrant, diverse and relevant downtown. We help foster economic development while preserving the historic downtown heritage. My role as a board member is to champion needs in our downtown and city.

What is your background?
Armed with a solid foundation in business from the University of the District of Columbia, I’ve channeled my expertise toward community service. My commitment to civic engagement led me to serve on various boards, including the YMCA, Kennesaw Business Association and Acworth Business Association. I proudly served as president of the latter. Currently, I contribute to the progress of our community as a member of the Downtown Development Authority, Acworth Police Community Foundation and Acworth Arts Alliance boards. Together, we strive to shape a vibrant and prosperous future for our city.

What surprises you most about the DDA?
What I’m most surprised about is how seamlessly the business community and the city collaborate. The synergy demonstrates a remarkable cohesion and shared vision, making decisions and progress swift and effective. This unity has fostered a vibrant environment for growth and community development, of which the city and its residents are the beneficiaries.

What do you like about being a member?
What I find the most rewarding is being an ambassador for the city that I love. A passion of mine continues to be advocating for small-business owners and helping drive economic growth with a group of like-minded individuals.

What sets Acworth apart?
Acworth is unique in that we have such a great downtown, with a variety of restaurants and shops, but also have great parks, greenspace and access to two lakes. Really, it is the people that make Acworth a special place. The cooperation between the private and public sectors is why we have seen such quality growth over the past 20 years.

What changes have you seen?
I have served on the DDA board since July 2013. In that time, I have seen the development of our Parkside District, with the addition of Logan Farm Park, the Acworth Community Center and 1885 Grill. The DDA issued a $7 million bond for building the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks that connects the Historic District to the Parkside District, the Depot History Center, the roundabout at Cherokee and School streets, and Cherokee Plaza.

What future projects excite you?
The DDA and the city have been focused on placemaking (creating quality places where people want to live, play and work) the past few years, and I am excited to see a potential streetscape update in the Historic District and the addition of more public art.

What are your goals?
I balance personal and professional aspirations. Personally, I want to have family time and global travel. I recently returned from a trip to Italy and Spain. On the professional front, I’m resolute in expanding The Insurance Gurus brand. With foresight, I aim to integrate mortgage lending seamlessly into our portfolio, providing holistic financial solutions. Through this, I seek to redefine and elevate the financial well-being of individuals and families worldwide.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.
For 24 years, my wife and I have crafted a life of shared passions. Our two brilliant daughters — our pride and joy — stand as pillars of our world. Together, we journey the globe, exploring fairways and teeing up for adventure. My heart beats for community service, finding joy in giving back. Fitness fuels our days, weaving strength into our family tapestry. And when evening falls, we seek new culinary adventures, savoring the flavor of life together.