Roy Kojo Jawara "Jay" Williams (born September 26, 1971) is a United States politician who served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development from 2014 to 2017.

Despite earlier evidence of a close race, the result shocked observers who had viewed Williams' relative youth and political inexperience as insurmountable hurdles to winning the election.

[2] While the reasons for the outcome remain unclear, some observers have attributed Williams' successful run to widespread dissatisfaction with the city's traditional leadership.

[2] Once elected Mayor, Jay pushed to create a Joint Economic Development District with surrounding townships to better facilitate regional growth.

Williams was charged with leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, and preparing American regions for growth and success in the global economy.