Sue Burnett, founder and president of Houston-based Burnett Specialists, will be inducted in the ASA Leadership Hall of Fame, the organization announced today.
Starting in 1974 with a $10,000 loan and her car as collateral, Burnett built Burnett Specialists into Houston’s largest staffing and recruiting firm, according to the Houston Business Journal, with offices around Texas in Houston, Austin, El Paso, and San Antonio. Burnett served on the ASA board of directors from 2001 through 2004. Along with other members of the Lady Leaders Book Club, she co-authored the book Together We Rise, proceeds of which supported the ASA Women in Leadership Scholarship program. She was also a contributor to the book Women Mean Business. Her deep commitment to philanthropy and service extends beyond staffing, as Burnett serves on the board of directors for several organizations and supported the creation of the University of Arkansas Sue Walk Burnett Student Media and Journalism building in Fayetteville.
“Sue Burnett is one of the most universally respected leaders in the staffing and recruiting industry today,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA. “Sue’s a visionary who 51 years ago leveraged a $10,000 loan into one of the most successful firms in Texas. “Just as important as Sue’s many business accomplishments is her unwavering dedication to giving back to the staffing industry and her community. In addition to her philanthropy, Sue’s history of mentoring and supporting women—and men—in staffing is a testament to her character and legacy of success.”
