Jerrae “RAE” Williams, MBA

About Raé

Jerraé “Raé” Williams is a seasoned financial executive and management consultant with more than 27 years of experience spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Known for her progressive and strategic leadership style, Raé has built a national reputation for driving operational excellence, fiscal sustainability, and stakeholder alignment across complex organizations.

She currently serves as the President and CEO of The Rae Michelle Group, LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in municipal management, financial strategy, and organizational transformation. Through her firm, Raé has led projects for clients including UPS Global, the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, and numerous cities, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Raé has also held high-impact executive positions, including Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Vice President, and Executive Director, overseeing multimillion- and multibillion-dollar budgets, investments, and capital portfolios. Her leadership experience includes senior roles with Wells Fargo Bank, the City of Atlanta, the City of Raleigh, Atlanta Airlines Terminal Company, and Fahe.

Expertise and Leadership Focus

  • Executive Financial Strategy & Treasury Management

  • Government & Municipal Finance

  • Economic and Community Development

  • Public–Private Partnerships (P3)

  • Grants & Capital Planning

  • Organizational Development & Strategic Planning

  • Risk Management & Compliance

  • Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Advisory

Raé is recognized for her ability to navigate financial complexity, develop sustainable business models, and build high-performing teams. Her approach blends data-driven decision-making with a deep commitment to equity, economic mobility, and community impact.

Career Highlights

  • Managed a $7.6B debt portfolio and $2.3B investment portfolio as Treasurer for the City of Atlanta.

  • Achieved ISO55001 certification and implemented strategic partnerships and continuous improvement initiatives as VP at Atlanta Airlines Terminal Company.

  • Directed the City of Raleigh’s $2B+ debt and $1B+ investment portfolios, saving more than $8 million through restructuring and process optimization.

  • Increased Wells Fargo’s government and nonprofit portfolio revenue by double digits and served on the Senior Management Team overseeing multi-state operations.

  • Led municipal and private-sector special projects focused on New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), affordable housing, food security, transportation hubs, and film industry development.

Education & Affiliations

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA), Corporate Finance – Capella University

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Public Administration & Finance Information Systems – St. Cloud State University

  • Member & Advisor – Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

  • Member – Association for Financial Professionals (AFP)

  • Volunteer – Communities In Schools, United Way, Financial Literacy Programs, Pre-K Reading First

Publications

“Strategies for Today’s Investment Portfolio” — GFOA Review, 2010

In Her Own Words

“My purpose has always been to create systems that build capacity—helping governments, nonprofits, and communities achieve both fiscal health and social impact. Real progress happens when we pair financial strategy with purpose-driven leadership.”
— Raé Williams, MBA