Public Service Experience

Serving others has never been something I stepped into for recognition — it’s something I’ve lived out for most of my life.

For the past 14 years, I’ve had the honor of serving on the Calhoun County Board of Education, including six years as chairman. In that role, I’ve worked alongside educators, administrators, and community leaders to make decisions that impact thousands of students and families across our county.

That responsibility isn’t something I’ve ever taken lightly.

During my time on the board, I’ve helped oversee and manage multi-million-dollar budgets, always with a focus on accountability, transparency, and doing what’s right for our students and taxpayers. I’ve been part of decisions that shape the future of our schools — not just for today, but for generations to come.

But for me, service goes beyond meetings and budgets.

Every year I’ve served, I’ve chosen to donate my Board of Education salary back to the school system. That decision comes from a simple belief: if you’re in a position to give back, you should. Out of that same mindset, I created the Tobi Burt Career Ready Scholarship, which provides at least one $1,000 scholarship to each high school in our system every year. To date, I’ve personally contributed more than $100,000 to help students take their next step in life.

Because investing in our kids is investing in the future of Calhoun County.

My service hasn’t stopped at the school board.

Over the years, I’ve stayed involved wherever I could make a difference — serving on the Calhoun County Water Board, the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department Board, and working with ALEAF, the Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation. I’ve also spent time coaching youth sports, serving through my church, and supporting local efforts that strengthen our communities.

Those roles have kept me close to the people who make this county what it is — our families, our first responders, our educators, and our local leaders.

They’ve also given me a real understanding of how different parts of our community work together — from infrastructure and utilities to public safety and education. I’ve seen what’s working, where we’re falling short, and where we have opportunities to do better.

And I’ve always believed that if something needs to be done, you don’t wait — you step up.

That’s the mindset I bring to public service.

I’m proud to say I’m the only candidate in this race with over a decade of elected experience, combined with real-world experience managing large budgets and hands-on infrastructure knowledge. I don’t just understand how government works — I understand how to get things done.

For me, public service isn’t about holding a position.

It’s about showing up, doing the work, and leaving things better than you found them.

That’s what I’ve done.

And it’s exactly what I’ll continue to do for Calhoun County.

     — Tobi Burt