William M. Sams

William Sams is the Founder, President & CEO of Lancer Capital Group Enterprises, where he directs the company’s long-term strategy and leads its work across real estate development, strategic investments, and operating businesses. His approach centers on disciplined growth, thoughtful execution, strong relationships, and creating lasting value for the communities in which Lancer operates.

 

William founded Lancer Capital Group and began developing One Lancer Center while completing his undergraduate education at East Tennessee State University. Today, he leads the adaptive reuse, mixed-use, and commercial development work of LCG Development International, including the continued growth of One Lancer Center in downtown Greeneville. He also guides Lancer’s interest as a partner in Condor Aviation and is the founder of TriStar Trains, a specialty model railroad business developed from his lifelong interest in railroading.

 

William earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from East Tennessee State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma and was a recipient of the Scott M. Niswonger Scholarship. While attending ETSU, William interned with the Town of Greeneville’s Building, Planning and Development Department, where he worked extensively with zoning regulations and gained firsthand experience with new development from the municipal side of the process. He later interned with the Greene County Partnership, supporting economic development initiatives and helping create resources for municipalities and local businesses. Together, these experiences gave him a practical understanding of how private projects move through public review and contribute to a community’s broader economic development strategy.

 

Beyond his business leadership, William is the Founder and Chairman of the Lancer Capital Group Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting JROTC programs and expanding educational opportunities for young cadets. The Foundation’s mission is rooted in his own experience in the Air Force JROTC program at Greeneville High School, which helped shape his approach to leadership, service, and personal responsibility.

 

William also serves on the Leadership Advisory Team for Isaiah 117 House in Greene County and on the Parish Council of Notre Dame Catholic Church in Greeneville. Raised in a family of educators, he developed an early appreciation for lifelong learning, service, and purposeful work. His personal interests include railroading and model trains, playing the organ, shooting sports, golf, travel, and aviation. His work is guided by faith, a long-term perspective, and a commitment to building organizations and projects that endure.