Dr. Damien N. Williams is the Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in the city of Dallas. New Hope’s mission is “To know Christ, grow in Christ, and to share the gospel of Christ with others.” New Hope has a rich history, which encourages its members to be committed to the community it serves through evangelism, missions, and social justice.

Dr. Williams’ passion for building leaders in the church as well as at the college level, has opened doors for him to conduct leadership trainings across the country. Many have said he knows how to reach the people where they are, while providing a high level of educational information without concern to serve with those he leads. These characteristics have made him one of the most sought-after speakers in the area.

Dr. Williams loves the city of Dallas where he grew up, and that is what drives his commitment to transforming lives one zip code at a time. As a result, he holds positions on several organizations and boards. He most recently served on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Area of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Additionally, he also the founding member of the Dallas Baptist University African American Student Scholarship Board. Further still, Dr. Williams serves as a member of the African American Pastors Coalition, which is a fellowship of churches who work together to address the needs of communities in Dallas.

As a student intern, Dr. Williams worked for the Federal Government for the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, served as the First-Generation College Student Coordinator and, Communities in Schools Coordinator at Northeast Texas Community College. He served as the Dean of Students and Athletic Director at Texas College in Tyler, Texas. He was also the Director of the Educational Talent Search Program, Academic Coordinator/Program Counselor for the Upward Bound Program, and Professor of Religion at Jarvis Christian College, Dean of Students at Tyler Junior College, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas and Vice President for Student Services at Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College in Logan, West Virginia. Currently, Dr. Williams serves as a member of the Biltmore Who's Who.

Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Williams attended Dallas Public Schools and graduated with honors from David W. Carter High School. As a Dallas Baptist University alum, he holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and a Master of Arts in Christian Education. Recently, Dr. Williams graduated with a Doctorate of Ministry in 21st Century Ministry (Leadership) from Anderson University (Clamp Divinity School) in Anderson, South Carolina. Williams also holds certificates in Dispute Resolution and Title IX.

Dr. Williams is wed to Dr. LaStassia Williams, a registered nurse. They have five children and live in Dallas.