Shaheem M. Williams Takes the Helm as Chair of Clayton County Chamber of Commerce

By Shelia Edwards

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Attorney Shaheem Williams officially became the new Chair of the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce during the organization’s annual gala at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel. Guests from across metro Atlanta, dressed in their finest attire, gathered Saturday night to witness his installation. The gala sparkled with elegance, providing a festive backdrop for the celebration of community and leadership. In addition to his installation, various community service awards were presented to deserving members of the community.

Williams, a partner in the Forest Park office of Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP and a member of the firm’s Government Law Practice Section, brings extensive experience in law, government, and community service to his new role. He and his wife, Yashica Marshall, also an attorney, reside in the Mableton community of South Cobb. Both are active contributors to local initiatives and quality-of-life projects.

Spotlight South Cobb News Publisher Shelia Edwards was a special guest of the couple and joined Williams and Marshall in celebrating the evening.

Edwards, who is also a candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission, enjoyed the elegant festivities alongside Williams’ family, friends, and numerous community leaders gathered to honor him. The evening was filled with joy, laughter, and warm fellowship to celebrate Williams and share in his memorable occassion.

Before joining Freeman Mathis & Gary, Williams served as Senior Assistant County Attorney for DeKalb County, managing a broad range of transactional matters, including local government financing, state and local taxes, contracts, and employee pension issues. He also defended the county in state and federal litigation, covering cases involving employee discrimination, retaliation, Open Meetings Act violations, whistleblower claims, real property tax appeals, quiet title actions, and contract disputes.

A natural leader, Williams earned his Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, graduating cum laude, serving as editor of the John Marshall Law Journal, and chairing the Moot Court Board. Prior to law school, he earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Kean University in New Jersey and taught high school mathematics, shaping young minds in the classroom.

As Chamber chair, Williams will guide an organization that has been a cornerstone of Clayton County’s business community since its founding in 1953. The Chamber, a member-based nonprofit, serves more than 6,000 local businesses by providing professional development, leadership training, advocacy, workforce partnerships, and networking opportunities.

“This is an exciting time for the Clayton County Chamber,” Williams said. “In addition to supporting our members, we are committed to addressing broader community challenges that impact quality of life, from economic development to workforce training. Together, we can elevate both our business community and the county as a whole.”

Under Williams’ leadership, the Chamber has unveiled a new mission and vision:

Mission: Promote business, drive economic development, and serve as a catalyst to elevate quality of life in the community and region.

Vision: Be recognized as an influential regional leader and collaborator for business and community prosperity.

Williams’ appointment signals a new direction for the Chamber, emphasizing both member services and the health and growth of the wider Clayton County community. The Chamber encourages businesses and residents to connect, promote, and participate in shaping the county’s economic and civic future.

With the gala theme unofficially titled “Sparkle, Glitz, and Leadership,” Shaheem Williams takes the reins of the Clayton County Chamber and is poised to lead the organization into a new era where business, community, and opportunity shine brighter than ever.