J.R. Williams

J.R. Williams is a Managing Director and Certified Investment Management Analyst with the investment firm of Ameriprise Financial in Monterey, California. He has been a professional financial advisor on the Monterey Peninsula for the past 18 years and focuses his time on a select group of clients.

J.R. is a 1993 graduate of the Monterey Institute of International Studies with a master’s degree in business administration, concentrating on Finance. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1982. In 2000, J.R. earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) certification by completing an approved educational program, passing a rigorous examination and meeting stringent experience requirements.

J.R. is the current Treasurer for Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Monterey Institute of International Studies. He served his alma mater for nine years as Trustee, Alumni Committee chair and as a member of numerous board committees. J.R. is also a 25-year Volunteer for the AT&T Pro-Am golf tournament. He also served a two-year term as a board member of the New Monterey Business Association. In addition, he has participated in local United Way campaigns, as an Allocations Committee Member. J.R. is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Monterey.

J.R. is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in Mali from 1984-1986.

His hobbies include historical tourism, travel and music. As part of his involvement with the League of WWI Aviation Historians, J.R. has been a guest commentator on the History Channel and on Warbirds Radio. He is a frequent speaker on Aviation history and has made numerous research trips to Northern France, Belgium, England and Germany, as well as Civil War battlefields in the U.S. He has visited over 20 countries and most of the continents.

J.R. and Gabriele have been married for over 30 years and have one daughter named Lea.