Biography
Monroe County Legislator Willie Joe Lightfoot represents the 27 th District, which includes Rochester’s 19 th Ward neighborhood, the Greater Rochester International Airport, Genesee Valley Park. Willie was appointed to the Monroe County Legislator in 2006. He is the son of Theresa Thompson and The Late Honorable Willie Walker Lightfoot who was the 25 th District County Legislator for over 20 years. Willie currently is the ranking Democrat on the Public Safety Committee and also serves on the Human Services Committee. Mr. Lightfoot along with his wife Verdina have four children, Daryl (DJ), Kevin, Precious, and Willie Jr.
A lifelong resident of the City of Rochester, Willie often refers to himself as “Home Grown”. Willie has had a long history of civic service. He is a 12-year Veteran of the United States Air force. He has served in two wars, Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Willie also currently works for the City of Rochester Fire Department. He holds the position of Fire Fighter at Truck 4. Willie is a Peer Reviewer for the United States Department of Education. (OSDFS) These grants are written from Cities all accross the United States. Willie is a 2005 graduate of the African American Leadership Development Program.Willie is also a 2007 graduate of Leadership Rochester. Willie sets on the following boards, Vietnam Veteran Memorial Board. Willie is Ranking Minority Member of the Public Safety Committee and on the Human Service Committee. Willie also is appointed to the Monroe County Airport Authority Board and the Monroe County Fire Advisory Board. Willie is also the founder of the Cut The Violence Iniative which helps curve teen violence in the Rochester area. Willie has numerous community awards and recognitions. Willie & Verdina are proud 19 Ward association members.
Willie is the owner of a Real Estate Investment company called OHAD, LLC. He is the developer of a 4500 square foot multi-purpose building called LIGHTFOOT SQUARE. Willie is also a NYS licensed Barber and a NYS Barber Examiner. He owns and operates his own Unisex shop called New Creations Unisex shop. Mr. Lightfoot is an ordained Elder and works with the youth at his home church Prayer House Church of God By Faith. He has two Associates from Monroe Community College for Business Administration and the other from the Community College of the Air Force for Fire Science. He also holds a Bachelors degree from Empire State College for Fire Service Administration.
Willie and Verdina are also owners of a new business venture. New Creations Syles is a online clothing store were they sale upscale Men, Boys and Women Business/Church attire.
Willie is also very proud of his completion this year of the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute (EDI). EDI prepares future people within the fire service to be an effective Fire Chief, classes are provided at Clark Atlanta University and the program is a five year program to complete graduation. Willie will be a graduate of the class of 2010.