Michael Williams
Director of Communications & Gov’t Relations
Mike Williams is both a longtime Grand Laker, a Shangri-La historical authority and a recognized advertising, communications, public relations and government relations expert. He has a broad base of radio, television and newspaper experience, having served during his career as Assistant News Director for KTOK Radio and the Oklahoma Radio News Network, Managing Editor of KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City and Managing Editor of The Chronicle of Grand Lake.
Williams and his wife, Cari, owned an advertising, public relations, government relations and political consulting firm in Oklahoma City for many years before moving to Grand Lake full time in 1993. Mike and Cari were Grand Lake enthusiasts long before moving to the lake full-time. They have owned boats and weekend Grand Lake residences since the 1970’s and were members of the original Shangri-La Resort.
Having worked as Manager of Cherokee Yacht Club Marina and as Director of Operations for Ugly John’s Custom Boats & RVs, Mike is also a valuable asset in the marketing of the wide variety of facilities at Shangri-La Marina. He supervises all communications, advertising, public relations and government relations efforts for the entire Shangri-La operation. He is Vice-President of the Oklahoma Marinas Association and serves on the organization’s Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Lake of the Cherokees Watershed Association and the South Grand Lake Area Chambers of Commerce, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.
Mike and Cari live in the midst of Shangri-La Golf Club’s course, in Vista Towers. They are well known Monkey Islanders, having raised their four grown children, all graduates of Grove High School, on the Island.