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Advocates, former commissioners and suppliers pay tribute to Harold D. Williams at PSC diversity hearing
Summary
At the PSCʼs Harold D. Williams supplier‑diversity hearing, former Commissioner Obi Linton, Senator Mary Washington and multiple business advocates praised Williamsʼ legacy, called the Maryland program a model and urged continued supplier development and accountability.
Speakers at the Maryland Public Service Commissionʼs supplier‑diversity hearing paid repeated tribute to former Commissioner Harold D. Williams and described his role in creating and expanding supplier‑diversity efforts in Maryland and beyond.
Former Commissioner Obi Linton recalled Williamsʼ personal commitment, telling attendees that Williams would check in on proceedings and ‘‘he'd be happy to see all of you’’ continuing the work. State Senator Mary Washington framed the program in statutory context, citing Title 20 and noting the PSCʼs public‑policy declaration that the public interest includes diverse supplier programs.
Advocacy and supplier representatives urged continued leadership, transparency and capacity building. Herman Taylor (MB Policy Alliance) called the program ‘‘a model program’’ and asked for more accountability and outreach to the stateʼs roughly 9,000 minority‑certified businesses. Laurie Dowling (National Utilities Diversity Council) and other national advocates said Williamsʼ approach shaped national efforts and helped create forums for regulator collaboration.
Several supplier representatives described local work: Paula Tillman (Absolute Supply, advising MWMCA) offered direct support for utilities seeking vetted diverse contractors; representatives from MB‑focused events said the partnerships with utilities and the state are essential to scaling opportunity.
Speakers stressed that the programʼs success has depended on voluntary commitments by utilities and on supplier development rather than on heavy-handed regulation. Many urged continued PSC leadership, more frequent peer sharing among utilities and sustained investment in supplier capacity building.
Chair Fred Hoover closed by thanking participants and recommitting the Commission to supporting the ongoing work of supplier‑diversity oversight and partnership.
