Marilyn Burgess is your Harris County District Clerk. A seasoned businesswoman with leadership skills and administrative experience, Ms. Burgess graduated from Louisiana State University with an accounting degree in 1975 and practiced as a CPA for more than 30 years.

Besides her work in the private sector, Ms. Burgess has also served the community. Ms. Burgess led the Texas Parent Teachers Association (PTA) as Executive Director from 1999 to 2001. In that role, she worked with state lawmakers to pass legislation that benefited the health, education, and welfare of Texas children. Ms. Burgess also stood firm against school vouchers that would have redirected tax dollars to private schools.

During her time leading the Texas Parent Teachers Association, Ms. Burgess found her calling to advocate for causes that improve the lives of working and middle-class families, single mothers, and teachers.

Ms. Burgess moved to Houston in 2002 and served as President of the North Houston-Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2006. In this position, Ms. Burgess quickly learned about her new community by collaborating with Houston and Harris County elected officials, as well as local and regional community and business leaders. Ms. Burgess gained a comprehensive and insightful knowledge of Greater Houston’s economy and political landscape.

Prior to being elected District Clerk, Ms. Burgess worked as the Chief Financial Officer at a family-owned fastener company based in north Harris County.

Ms. Burgess developed her belief in hard work and public service from her parents Oda and Glover Rockett. Both of them held elected office in her hometown of Spearsville, LA. Her father represented the region in a role similar to county commissioner for 12 years.

After Ms. Burgess’ mother retired from her position as chair of the local hospital board, she went on to serve the community as mayor of Spearsville during the final years of her life.

In 2018, Ms. Burgess ran for Harris County District Clerk on a platform focused on modernizing the jury system by launching online registration for prospective jurors, increasing the diversity of juries, and ensuring a living wage for the hardworking professionals that staff the District Clerk’s Office.

In December 2021, District Clerk Burgess received the prestigious G. Thomas Munsterman Award for Jury Innovation bestowed by the National Center for State Courts.

In 2022, she was named one of Houston’s Top 30 Women.

In 2023, she received the Public Official of the Year Award bestowed by the Master of Public Administration Program of the University of Houston (UH).

As District Clerk, she is working hard to make the DCO more efficient, innovative and technology-driven. Ms. Burgess oversees a budget of $40 million and a staff of more than 500 people.

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