Early Life
Randa Lynn Williams, née Duncan, was born in 1961 to Barbara Ann and Dan Duncan in Houston, Texas. Her father, Dan Duncan, was the co-founder of Enterprise Products, a major player in the oil and gas industry. She grew up in Houston and attended local schools.
Rise to Success
Williams's career began with a legal background. She earned a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Houston Law Center and a bachelor's degree from Rice University. She practiced law with firms like Butler & Binion and Brown, Sims, Wise & White. In 1994, she joined Enterprise Products, eventually becoming its president and CEO until February 2001. Following her father's death in 2010, she inherited a significant portion of his estate. She was elected as non-executive chairman of Enterprise Production Partners in 2013. In 2019, she expanded her business interests by acquiring Texas Monthly magazine.
Key Business Strategies
Randa Duncan Williams is primarily involved in the energy sector through her significant ownership in Enterprise Products Partners. Enterprise Products owns extensive energy pipelines, natural gas processing plants, and oil storage facilities. Her leadership at Enterprise Products has been crucial to the company's growth and success. As a major shareholder and board chair, her strategic decisions impact Enterprise's operations and financial performance.
Philanthropy
Williams is actively engaged in philanthropy, particularly in Houston. She has contributed to numerous Houston-based charities. She serves on the board of trustees for the Houston Zoo and has served on the board of trustees for the Houston Museum of Natural Science since 1995, also serving as its chairman. She has also served on trustee boards for the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, River Oaks Baptist School, and the Houston A+ Challenge.
