Morgan Williams
President,
US-Ukraine Business Council
Nov 26, 1939 – Jun 8, 2024
Morgan Williams was more than a leader — he was a visionary whose unwavering dedication to Ukraine’s economic development and U.S.-Ukraine business relations shaped the landscape of transatlantic partnerships for decades. As President and CEO of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) since 2007, he transformed the organization from a small trade association into the largest private business council focused on Ukraine, with over 200 members from across the globe. Under his leadership, USUBC became a powerful advocate for business growth, economic stability, and democratic progress in Ukraine.
Williams’ journey in Ukraine began in 1992, when he dedicated himself to advancing economic reforms, agricultural development, and investment initiatives. His career spanned critical roles in both government and private sectors, from serving on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee to leading international development projects in multiple countries. His extensive experience and deep commitment earned him numerous honors, including state awards from Ukraine and recognition from global institutions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Williams was a passionate supporter of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. As the Founder and Trustee of the “Holodomor: Through the Eyes of Ukrainian Artists” collection, he played a pivotal role in preserving the memory of Ukraine’s tragic history while fostering awareness and education. His presence at key diplomatic and business forums, alongside his strategic vision, ensured that Ukraine’s voice was heard on the global stage.
Morgan Williams’ legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and an unbreakable bond with Ukraine. His work will continue to inspire generations of business leaders, policymakers, and advocates committed to Ukraine’s success. He was not just a champion for business — he was a champion for Ukraine.
Voice of America featured story about U.S.-Ukraine Business Council: History, Present, and Future
Voice of America Ukrainian Service, Thu, Feb 9, 2023
Voice of America featured story about U.S.-Ukraine Business Council: History, Present, and Future
Statement on Morgan Williams’ Birthday about joint donation to Ukraine’s National Museum of Holodomor-Genocide
The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), along with the family of its late President, Morgan Williams, is proud to announce a joint donation to Ukraine’s National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide. The donation consists of a collection of artworks and books dedicated to the Holodomor, the genocide by forced starvation that claimed millions of Ukrainian lives in the first half of the 20th century under the Soviet regime.
Since the early 1990s, Morgan Williams devoted decades to meticulously gathering Holodomor-related art and literature, creating the largest and most significant private collection in the world. His lifelong goal was to ensure this collection would belong to the Ukrainian nation. The donation was symbolically finalized during the recent commemoration of the Holodomor anniversary.
Williams dedicated much of his life to fostering strong business relations between the United States and Ukraine. His unparalleled contributions to Ukraine’s economic and cultural landscape, combined with this donation, affirm his status as a profoundly influential figure in Ukraine’s modern history.
Coverage of Williams’ legacy and the significance of the collection can be found in a recent article by Voice of America: Read the article and watch the accompanying video, where members of his family share their reflections on his dedication to Ukraine.
Williams’ family issued the following statement:
“This gift is a meaningful outcome for everyone involved and will allow the Collection to inspire and educate countless individuals for years to come. We believe it will serve as a cornerstone of Morgan’s legacy, as he envisioned.”
Eric Luhmann, Chair of the USUBC Executive Committee, remarked:
“In keeping with Morgan’s lifelong mission to preserve the memory of the Holodomor for future generations, USUBC is grateful for the heartfelt cooperation of his family in supporting this historic joint donation to the Holodomor Museum and the people of Ukraine.”
Lesia Hasydzhak, General Director of the Holodomor Museum, described the donation as
“not just the event of the year, but a milestone for the entire period of Ukraine’s independence.”
Today, on what would have been Morgan Williams’ 85th birthday, USUBC, together with his family—wife Lynda, daughter Denise, and sons Daren, Jon, and Evan—celebrate his visionary leadership. His efforts not only shaped USUBC into the influential organization it is today but also left an enduring legacy of remembrance and commitment to Ukraine’s history and future.
Opening of the Exhibition:
Holodomor through the eyes of Ukrainian Artists. Nov 2021. Ukraine House
Oksana Markarova, Borys Gudzyak, Michael Sawkiw, Morgan Williams
Holodomor through the eyes of Ukrainian Artists. Video tour of the largest collection about 1932-33 Holodomor
USUBC Celebrates the Remarkable Life and Legacy of Morgan Williams in Kyiv
On October 9, the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council held a special commemorative dinner in Kyiv, dedicated to the remarkable life of Morgan Williams.
This heartwarming event brought together the leaders of the business community, representatives of the Ukrainian Government, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, the diplomatic community, artists and journalists and long-term colleagues and friends of Morgan, whose lives he influenced and inspired in so many ways!
Among the distinguished guests were former President of Ukraine, Victor Yushchenko, who gave a powerful keynote tribute, Halyna Yanchenko, Member of Parliament and Secretary of the National Investment Council of Ukraine, Mary Elizabeth Madden and Nathan Seifert representing the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, joining many other friends and colleagues in celebrating Morgan’s remarkable life and his lasting impact on U.S.-Ukraine relations.
The highlight of the evening was the ceremony of signing of the Gift Agreement with the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide, donating Morgan’s invaluable collection of artworks and books on the Holodomor to the Museum. Lesia Hasydzhak, General Director of the Holodomor Museum, expressed her profound gratitude for this generous gift to the Ukrainian Nation by Edward Morgan Williams, his Family and the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC).
Vira Barynova-Kuleba, People’s Artist of Ukraine and one of the most celebrated Ukrainian artists of her time, Morgan’s friend and contemporary, whose several masterpieces are included in the donated Holodomor Collection, concluded the evening paying a profound and passionate tribute to Morgan.
“I did it my way…”
USUBC Celebrates the Remarkable Life and Legacy of Morgan Williams in Washington, D.C.
On October 30, 2024, the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) gathered in Washington, D.C. to honor the life and legacy of Morgan Williams, the late USUBC President and a champion of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The evening brought together family, friends, colleagues, and USUBC members to celebrate a man whose hard work has left an enduring mark on the U.S.-Ukraine business community and on Ukraine’s modern history. Held at the famed landmark, Organization of American States, the event highlighted Morgan’s lasting impact and commitment to Ukraine’s independence and prosperity.
The evening opened with a heartfelt keynote address from HE Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, who shared reflections on Morgan’s visionary leadership and his dedication to USUBC’s mission and the Ukrainian people. Ambassador Markarova also presented Morgan’s family with archival photographs, capturing key moments of his impactful journey.
The program continued with a video tribute, followed by touching speeches from Morgan’s son Daren Williams and daughter Denise Ondroff, who shared personal stories and reflections on their father’s life and work. Morgan’s leadership was also celebrated by the U.S. Government representatives – Mark Simakovsky from USAID, and Matt Edwards of the U.S. Department of Commerce, who spoke on Morgan’s pivotal role in advancing U.S.-Ukraine trade and economic relations.
Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed live performances by Gerdan, a Ukrainian-American musical ensemble, and a beautiful bandura duet “Malvy” by Uliana and Kalyna Leshchuk. Cherished memories of Morgan were shared by USUBC colleagues Irina Paliashvili, Nadiia Khomaziuk, Alex Slusarenko, Greg Fishman JD, and tributes from USUBC members were rendered by Tom Bryan from Great Plains Manufacturing, Tanya Shea of the People of Ukraine Foundation, Matthew Murray from Velta —all of whom had closely worked with Morgan. The program, moderated by Eric Luhmann, Chair of USUBC’s Executive Committee, concluded with moving renditions of “My Way” and “Amazing Grace,” the songs honoring Morgan’s unique spirit.
This evening was a remembrance and a celebration of Morgan Williams’ remarkable life, inspiring attendees to carry on his mission for a prosperous and independent Ukraine. His words, “Full Speed Ahead!”, resonated throughout the evening, and we thank everybody for sharing this special event with us.
