Wendy Burgess is a native Texan with deep roots in the Lone Star State and has been a proud resident of Tarrant County for over forty years. Her parents made it a priority to teach her the value of good, honest hard work from an early age. It is those same principles and values that would ultimately go on to shape her career as a successful business owner and a respected community leader.
Burgess demonstrated a keen understanding of personal responsibility and business savvy early in life in the banking industry that would ultimately propel her into a prosperous career in business administration and consulting. As the owner and operator of a successful auto repair business for over 16 years, Burgess was able to hone her management skills and develop an operations philosophy that mirrored her belief of personal accountability. Later, she ventured into the IT field, first as a consultant and business manager for a large firm, and in 2011 as owner of her IT firm. As a successful owner and manager of multiple service-oriented businesses, Burgess has decades of experience running effective, honest, and profitable operations.
In addition to her extensive work experience, Wendy Burgess has a strong passion for community service. In 2011, she began her 6-year stint as a member on the Mansfield City Council, where she was a proud team member working to provide top quality services and citizen driven amenities with a heavy focus on safety and value. During her tenure on City Council, Mansfield was ranked multiple times as one of America’s “Best Places to Live”, four times top ranked for “Safest Places to Live”, rated “Best Park System in Texas”, awarded TML Best Municipal Utility, and Burgess played a major role in attaining Mansfield’s first AAA bond rating. Prior to City Council, she served nine years on the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce Board with two years spent as Chairman of the Board and Past Chairman promoting the local businesses and economic development.
Burgess has received numerous awards recognizing her Commitment to her Community and business acumen including the Shirley Karznia “Commitment to Community” Award, Excellence in Community Service Award, Mansfield Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Member of the Year, Rising Star Award, and Rotary Club Outstanding Business Award. She endeavors to always give back to the community that has given her so much.
Wendy Burgess was elected as Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector in November 2018 to fulfill the remainder of the term through 2020. She brings over 20 years business experience and an understanding of the complexities of leading a staff of over 200 employees in eight countywide offices with an annual budget of $15.9 million dollars. This office collects $4.6 billion dollars for 67 taxing entities in Tarrant County as well as the State of Texas predominately through property taxes, state motor vehicle sales tax, and registrations.
Burgess earned the designations of Professional County Collector (PCC), County Tax Office Professional (CTOP), and Professional County Assessor-Collector (PCAC) in just two years. To earn any of the designations requires many hours of in person and online education and training in Property Tax and Motor Vehicle laws and processes. All courses must be approved by the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas. Burgess is now required to complete at least 20 hours of approved continuing education each year to maintain the designations.
Burgess believes the taxpayers are not only her customers, but also the owners of the tax office. Every employee is committed to serve the citizens with utmost respect, and they will be served in a manner that is as pleasant and efficient as possible.