Dr. William J. Hunter, 63, of Plantation, FL, born December 30, 1948 in Greenville, NC to the late Arthur and Sarah (Williams) Carr Hunter departed this life June 12, 2012. Former Deputy Maternal Health Officer for the District of Columbia Department of Health, Maternal and Family Health Administration and City Manager and Personnel Director for the City of Glenarden, MD.  Dr. Hunter was an all-around athlete in tennis, track and basketball who showcased his basketball talent while attending Central Connecticut State College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. Upon graduation, Dr. Hunter served as news writer, syndicated columnist, photo journalist for the Inquirer Newspaper group, Executive Director of Organized North Easterners, and was selected as a National Urban Fellow in 1986. After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Baruch College (CUNY) and serving as a City Manager in diverse jurisdictions from Maryland, Florida and Alaska, Dr. Hunter turned his focus to higher education and leadership development.

The recipient of a Doctorate in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University, he became an expert in management, cultural competency, emotional intelligence, optimism and positive thinking. Dr. Hunter worked with a wide range of clients on leadership and organizational development issues. Most recently he held the position of Campus College Chair for the School of Business of the University of Phoenix – South Florida Campus. Dr. Hunter has been cited for this leadership and public service by the States of Maryland and Connecticut. He was inducted into the Central Connecticut State University Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Fame, commissioned a Kentucky Colonel, named a Count of Pulaski by Pulaski County, Arkansas, recognized and received citations from the states of Maryland, Arkansas and Connecticut and has been a guest expert speaker on television and radio. “Hunter” as he liked to be referred to was known as the Optimist and is the author of two books.

He leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Iaeisha Hunter of GA; sister, Mamie James (Curtis) of NC; brothers, Alex Carr (Althea), Usha Carr (Marie), and Ezekiel Carr of CT; he was predeceased by; sister, Mattie P. Garrison, and brothers, Ben A. Hunter and Carlton D. Hunter. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating the life of William J. Hunter will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. James Baptist Church, 15 Wilcox Street, New Britain, CT. A repast will be offered following the service.