d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Willie T. Burroughs 2021 TOP P&E
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or almost 20 years, Willie T. Burroughs has been a transformational leader in the K-12 education space and is currently the Chief Operations Officer for the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD). As COO, Willie leads the Operations Services Division of more than 1,600 employees and is responsible for the maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction of more than 10 million square feet of educational and administrative office space. Driven by his belief that equity and access is crucial for all, Willie is actively involved in various initiatives to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion. To this end, Willie shared his personal story in the Living in My Skin documentary that explores the realities of being a black man in America; co-created We’re Here And Talking (WHAT), an organization aimed at a call to action for social justice; and serves on the Racial Equity and Inclusion (REI) Committee for SAISD.
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TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
In 2018 – 2019, Willie was recognized and selected as a Leadership San Antonio (LSA) delegate. LSA is a premier leadership program where delegates actively engage present and future decision-makers in both the public and private sectors in order to gain a broader understanding of San Antonio’s diverse community as well as identify fit for purpose community-based solutions. Willie is also known for his community involvement in the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund (SAAACF), Renaissance with The Stars 2019 celebrity dance competition fundraiser, and he serves on the Board for SA2020 which is a nonprofit organization that drives progress toward a shared Community Vision for San Antonio. Willie’s passion for education and the way in which it provides a “level playing field” for personal and professional growth inspired him to sponsor an annual scholarship in honor of his late wife. The Tracie Washington Burroughs Shining
Star Scholarship is merit-based and is awarded to minority students in pursuit of a postsecondary education. Willie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater San Antonio Architecture Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program. Willie holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE), an MBA, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Signal Corps from Clemson University. Willie is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and resides in San Antonio, TX. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing golf, running, reading, and spending time with his family. Willie T. Burroughs Chief Operations Officer San Antonio Independent School District www.saisd.net
