Meet Bill Widmer
Hi, I’m Bill Widmer. I am a down to earth leader and a family man. I have been a resident of Atherton since 1996. This is where I have raised my family with my wife of 41 years. It is here that I have devoted much of my time to give back and make Atherton and the Region a great place for all to safely live and raise their families. My children attended Encinal and Hillview schools and later attended Junipero Serra and Notre Dame for high school before going on to receive their degrees and beginning their careers.
I was born and raised in New Jersey and went to Fort Worth, Texas for college to start work. I received a BS in Computer Science as well as an MBA in management and statistics from TCU. For over thirty years I worked in the high-tech industry. Initially, working for General Dynamics, I led design and production automation activities for the F-16 program start up and an Army’s communication systems and designed and ran automated factories. Later I moved to England where I served as the Deputy CEO of Computer Science’s Aerospace Systems Division providing full IT support to British Aerospace and Marconi Aerospace. I later returned to the US, settling in Atherton where I held senior executive roles at Cadence Design Systems, Mentor Graphics, Borland. For the subsequent 10 years, I ran a major department for France Telecom. I the served as a Professor at Menlo College teaching Math and Operations Management. My work has taken me to practically every state and many countries. I have worked and managed many international teams with very diverse cultures and individuals. I have also managed both professional and unionized teams.
In the private sector, Bill has held senior leadership roles in Fortune 50 companies, including General Dynamics, CSC, Cadence Design Systems, and Orange Business Services. He has led multi-billion-dollar, international deals, launched global risk and contract management frameworks, and turned around underperforming business units. His background spans aerospace, telecom, IT services, and manufacturing, with a footprint across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
After my arrival back to the states from the UK, I began giving back to the community through my work in youth sports including AYSO and MALL where I served as a coach and board member (AYSO). Later I was asked by the Mayor of Atherton to assist the Town as a member of the finance committee where I helped write several operating procedures for the Town as well as produced the Town’s first 5-year financial model. Then I was asked to run for Council.
While on Council I have served as Mayor and Vice Mayor three times. During my time on Council, I have also spent considerable time working with many of our committees and regional boards. These include the Finance and Audit Committee, the Rail Committee, the Environmental Programs Committee, the New Town Center Committee, the Aircraft Noise Committee, the IT Subcommittee, the Refuge (Waste) Committee, and the Transportation/Bike/Pedestrian Committee. I also serve on the Board of the Holbrook-Palmer Park Foundation, the SFO Roundtable, the County Emergency Services/Disaster Management Committee, ADAPT, where I am a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team member and the South Bayside Waste Management Board, where I served as Board Chairman. This work has allowed me to work with many dedicated residents who, like myself donate countless hours in helping shape the future of Atherton. Finally I regularly read to the pre-school children at our beautiful Library and hold office hours weekly, inviting any resident to come in and discuss issues or ideas. These are open door sessions running on Tuesdays from 12:30-1:30. I am also available by phone.
I have a good relationship with all past and present Councilmembers and believe we all do work well together to accomplish workable solutions to the issues Atherton faces both now and in the future. I also maintain good relationships with our Congressman and State Senator.
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