Willie J. Lightfoot, son of Theresa Thompson and the late Honorable Willie Walker Lightfoot, is a lifelong resident of the city of Rochester and refers to himself as "homegrown". A 12-year veteran of the United States Air Force, Lightfoot was deployed to Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom operations while serving in the armed forces. He is a retired City of Rochester firefighter.
Mr. Lightfoot served as the Monroe County Legislator representative of the 27th District for ten years. He served three full terms and became the ranking Democrat on the Public Safety Committee. He also served on the Human Services Committee.
Having a long history of civic service, Mr. Lightfoot has been instrumental in his district and has kept close ties with the neighborhoods and residents. He has influenced his area by turning a volatile southwest district into a great place to live and do business. He is a 2005 graduate of the African American Leadership Development Program and a 2007 graduate of Leadership Rochester. Mr. Lightfoot has volunteered on the following boards: Center for Dispute Settlement, Jefferson Avenue Childhood Development, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Board. He was also was appointed to the Monroe County Airport Authority Board and the Monroe County Fire Advisory Board. Mr. Lightfoot is the founder of the "Cut the Violence Initiative" (CTVI), which helps teens avoid or prevent physical abuse, school bullying, domestic violence, gang-related activities, and youth violence. This organization has engaged itself to learn about and work with at-risk youth involved in teen violence and juvenile crimes in the inner city of Rochester. Mr. Lightfoot has been the recipient of numerous community awards and recognitions for his commitment and allegiance to the 19th Ward and his constituents for his various initiatives.
Willie Lightfoot is also the owner of a real estate investment company called OHAD, LLC. He is the developer and manager of a 4,500 square foot multi-purpose building called LIGHTFOOT SQUARE. He is a NYS licensed Barber and a NYS Barber Examiner/ Supervisor and owns and operates his own unisex shop called New Creations Unisex Shop. He is also the founder and president of the United Professional Barbers and Cosmetologist Association (UPBCA). This association was created to support small barbering businesses and to provide benefits to barbers and cosmetologists in the greater Rochester region.
Mr. Lightfoot is an ordained Elder and was appointed as Pastor of Prayer House Church of God by Faith in December 2020. He is currently enrolled in the C.O.G.B.F. Theological Institute's Master of Divinity Program.
Mr. Lightfoot holds several collegiate degrees: two Associate's degrees, one from Monroe Community College in Business Administration and the other from the Community College of the Air Force in Fire Science.; and a Bachelor’s degree from Empire State College.
Willie and his wife Verdina have four adult children and three grandchildren. They reside in the 19th Ward, and are both proud members of the 19th Ward Association. Willie loves to read, listen to music, and travel. He is often referred to as "Rochester's Son" because everybody knows "Willie".
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