TYLER, Texas — James Wansley, Mayor of Whitehouse, has been named Board President for Leadership Tyler, continuing his long-standing commitment to leadership and community development in the region.
Wansley, a graduate of Leadership Tyler’s Core Program (Class 26), has served the organization in numerous roles over the years. He and his wife, Leah, were named Leadership Tyler’s Distinguished Alumni in 2022, in recognition of their significant contributions to the program and the community.
In addition to his work with Leadership Tyler, Wansley serves as Product Owner at the Genesis Group, a local business solutions firm. He was elected Mayor of Whitehouse in 2023.
Leadership Tyler is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing effective community leaders through a series of educational and networking programs. The Core Program, which Wansley completed, is the flagship initiative, bringing together emerging and established leaders to learn about local issues and foster collaboration. Since its founding in 1986, the organization has built a network of alumni who serve in leadership roles across the Tyler area.
Asked what Leadership Tyler means to him, Wansley said, “It means that Tyler is intentionally developing its community leadership, helping new executives establish roots in Tyler, and coming together to think about the issues that might impact our community for the next 100 years. And Leadership Tyler means friends and mentors that I would have never met otherwise.”
Wansley and his wife are also known for their enthusiasm for dance. Both were certified Zumba instructors for several years, attending annual conventions in Hollywood, Florida. The couple has performed at Cowboys Stadium and even in Amsterdam. “She was the talent, and I was her backup dancer,” Wansley said. “We are worldwide… like Pitbull.”
For more information about Leadership Tyler and its programs, visit leadershiptyler.org.
