"Relentless, AI Wizard, A Force of Nature"
Title: Director of Technology & Product Operations
Team: Operations
Role at Xponent21:
Will Willis currently serves as Director of Technology and Product Operations at Xponent21, where he focuses on building scalable systems, aligning technology with business strategy, and turning complex ideas into real-world execution. Willis brings over 20 years of experience across AI, machine learning, customer success, and program leadership, with a focus on driving adoption, improving operations, and delivering measurable impact.
He has led cross-functional teams, built customer success programs from the ground up, and worked at the intersection of technology, business, and people. Much of his work centers on helping organizations move from experimentation to execution with AI — not just talking about it, but actually putting it to work in ways that create value. Will spends a lot of time thinking about how emerging technologies like AI agents can move beyond answering questions to actually completing end-to-end tasks and driving outcomes.
Certifications:
- Mini MBA, University of Richmond
- Green Belt Lean Six Sigma, VCU
- Value Based Leadership Lab, InnerWill Leadership Institute
Outside of Xponent21, Willis serves as Executive Director of AI Ready RVA, a nonprofit focused on making the Richmond region the most AI-ready community in the world through education, workforce development, and community engagement.
Outside of work, Will is competitive by nature. He enjoys running 5Ks and 10Ks, golfing, grilling out, and staying active. He is also a lifelong learner when it comes to AI and emerging tech. If he’s not building something, he’s probably studying it.
Fun fact: Willis grew up in a military family (Air Force), which gave him the chance to live and travel all over before eventually settling in Richmond. We’re lucky to have his leadership here in Richmond!
