meet Dianne
Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox is a native of Quincy, Florida and is a graduate of James A. Shanks High School. She earned a B. S. Degree from Florida A&M University in Data Processing Technology and subsequently earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.
Her high school government teacher, Mr. Carl Daniels, instilled in Dianne the importance of being active in the political process not only as a voter, but as a participant in helping others become informed. Mr. Daniel’s influence, coupled with that of her parents, has led to a life of strong voter advocacy and being an outspoken leader for causes in the Tallahassee community – especially for underserved residents in the city.
Dianne has been, for years, a leading advocate for enhanced women’s rights, including equal pay and eradicating workplace harassment, among others. She encouraged Commissioners to take meetings into the neighborhoods where inequities are obvious and where people feel they have no influence. At school board meetings, she’s voiced concern over failing schools on the Southside. Her years of championing the causes of others made Williams-Cox the recipient of the 2018 Capital Outlook‘s “Community Advocate of the Year” award. Dianne’s service to the community has also been evident through her service to the Florida and Leon Democratic Party. She has served as Public Relations Chair for the Leon County Democratic Executive Committee, President of the Capital City Democratic Women’s Club (DWC) and Region 1 Chair for the Democratic Women of Florida. Dianne most recently served as Vice Chairman with the Leon County Democratic Executive Committee until her election to the City Commission.
Dianne began her work career as a software developer with General Motors in Detroit, Michigan and later joined the government defense contractor, Harris Government Systems in Melbourne, Florida. She worked for the State of Florida for 19 years at various agencies including the Florida Legislature. Dianne has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Florida A&M University. She has worked in the private sector and internationally and is a great supporter of small business.
A servant leader at heart, Dianne has been the Past President of the Tau Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Quincy and Past President of the Chi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Tallahassee and a former South Atlantic Region Cluster IV Coordinator of the sorority. She is currently the South Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Nominating Committee. She was the past President of Capital Park Baseball for 13 to 14-year olds and serves on several ministries at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, in Tallahassee.
Dianne married her high school sweetheart Thomas “Tommy” Cox; and she and her husband of 35 years and have three adult sons and six grandchildren. She is very honored to serve all citizens of Tallahassee as the Commissioner elected to Seat 5.
