NeighborWorks Waco is proud to announce Delisa Burnell-Smith as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. A dedicated member of the organization since 1994, Delisa brings more than three decades of community development experience and a legacy of service to this leadership role.
Throughout her tenure at NeighborWorks Waco, Delisa has counseled thousands of families on their journey to homeownership. She is certified in homebuyer education, mortgage lending, and loan portfolio management through NeighborWorks® Full-Cycle Lending, demonstrating her deep knowledge and commitment to supporting long-term financial stability for the families she serves.
Her leadership extends well beyond the walls of NeighborWorks Waco. Delisa has held board positions with numerous nonprofit and civic organizations, including the East Waco Development Corporation, the Family Abuse Center, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, and the Centex African American Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, the City of Waco Building and Standards Commission, and the Cameron Park Zoological and Botanical Society, Inc.
A native of Waco, Delisa earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas. Her deep roots in the community and her lifelong passion for helping others make her a natural fit to lead NeighborWorks Waco into its next chapter.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Delisa enjoys traveling and proudly claims the title of food connoisseur. She especially loves cooking for her children and five grandchildren and cherishes every opportunity to spend quality time with them.
NeighborWorks Waco is honored to have such a dedicated, knowledgeable, and community-minded leader at the helm. We look forward to the continued impact of her leadership across Central Texas.
