Burleson Rotary Club Welcomes Wale Salami as President During America’s Historic 250th Anniversary Year
Leadership transition marks a new chapter for the 44-year-old service organization with a vision centered on “Paying It Forward Through Service.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BURLESON, Texas — The Burleson Rotary Club proudly announces the installation of Wale Salami as President for the 2026 — 2027 Rotary year, ushering in a new era of leadership focused on community service, leadership development, membership growth, and lasting impact.
A U.S. Army veteran, IT professional, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and nonprofit executive, Salami succeeds Veneshia Ferdinand, Director of Compliance at a regional bank, who concludes a highly successful year as president after strengthening the club through strategic initiatives, increased member engagement, and organizational growth.
During Ferdinand’s presidency, the club successfully relocated its weekly meetings from Ol’ South Pancake House to Old Texas Brewing Company, re-introduced the General Assembly to encourage greater member participation and transparency, expanded club membership, and fostered a culture of collaboration and service that has positioned Burleson Rotary for continued growth.
A Legacy of Service Since 1982
Chartered in 1982, the Burleson Rotary Club has faithfully served the community for more than four decades through scholarships, youth leadership development, Meals on Wheels, the Flags for Scholars program, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), the Four-Way Test Speech Contest, and numerous local and international humanitarian initiatives.
Coincidentally, 1982 is also the year Wale Salami was born, making his presidency during the club’s 44th year a deeply personal milestone.
“It is one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as President of the Burleson Rotary Club,” said Salami. “This isn’t simply a leadership position — it’s a commitment to serve. I stand on the shoulders of every Rotarian who has come before me, and my goal is simple: to leave our club and our community stronger than I found them.”
A Historic Year for Rotary
Founded in 1905 by attorney Paul Harris in Chicago, Rotary International has grown into one of the world’s largest humanitarian service organizations, with more than 1.2 million members in over 45,000 clubs across more than 200 countries and geographic areas.
Guided by the motto “Service Above Self,” Rotary members address some of the world’s most pressing challenges by promoting peace, supporting education, fighting disease, providing clean water, protecting the environment, and strengthening communities.
Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
Salami’s presidency also coincides with America’s 250th Anniversary, a milestone he believes calls every citizen to renew their commitment to community.
“For 250 years, America has been strengthened by ordinary people willing to serve something greater than themselves. Rotary embodies that same spirit. Every scholarship awarded, every meal delivered, every student mentored, every tree planted, and every community project completed is another investment in the future of our nation.”
That philosophy is captured in Salami’s presidential theme:
“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth. Through Rotary, we pay it forward — one project, one family, and one community at a time.” — Wale Salami
The theme, “Paying It Forward Through Service,” will guide every major initiative undertaken by the club throughout the coming year.
Kicking Off the Rotary Year
The Burleson Rotary Club will officially begin the new Rotary year by participating in the 22nd Annual Burleson Independence Day Parade.
To commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary, the club will feature a Rotary-themed float celebrating service, patriotism, and community while members distribute American flags to thousands of parade attendees.
“Our presence in the parade is about more than celebrating Independence Day,” Salami said. “It is a reminder that Rotary has been quietly serving Burleson for over four decades. We invite our neighbors to celebrate with us, wave a flag, and discover how they, too, can make a difference through Rotary.”
A Vision for the Future
Throughout the coming year, Burleson Rotary will continue its signature programs while expanding opportunities for service, leadership development, and community partnerships.
Salami plans to introduce strategic initiatives focused on:
- Growing club membership and engagement.
- Expanding youth leadership and scholarship opportunities.
- Strengthening partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, and businesses.
- Increasing Rotary’s visibility throughout Burleson.
- Building the next generation of community leaders.
“Our goal is not simply to have another successful Rotary year,” Salami said. “Our goal is to build momentum that will benefit Burleson for years to come. If each of us commits to paying it forward, together we can transform lives — one project, one family, and one community at a time.”
About the President
Wale Salami is a U.S. Army veteran, AWS Cloud professional, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and farmer dedicated to serving both his local community and the broader business ecosystem.
He serves on the Board of Directors of Harvest House as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, providing financial oversight for one of Johnson County’s leading nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness and related crises.
Salami is also the Founder and Executive Director of Midlothian Angel Network (Midlo Angels), an Angel network supporting entrepreneurs and startups. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to military service, technology, business, agriculture, philanthropy, and civic engagement.
About Burleson Rotary Club
Chartered in 1982, the Burleson Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global network of neighbors, leaders, and problem-solvers dedicated to creating lasting change. Through scholarships, youth leadership, community service, and humanitarian initiatives, the club continues to live out Rotary’s enduring motto:
Service Above Self.
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Media Contact
Director of Digital Media & Public Image
Burleson Rotary Club
info@burlesonrotary.org
