Dr. Tony
Burks
Educator | Leadership Coach | Author | Cultural Storyteller
Dr. Tony Lamair Burks II is an award-winning educator and leadership coach known for his work at the intersection of equity, culture, and transformational leadership. As Chief Learning Officer at LEADright and a member of the City of Atlanta’s Human Relations Commission, he empowers leaders to grow with purpose and lead with impact.
A three-time Fulbright Scholar and 2024 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Dr. Burks has served in key national roles—from founding principal of the nation’s top-ranked high school to overseeing California’s second-largest charter school portfolio. He has authored seven books and contributed to education resources for Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us, Colin in Black & White, and Origin.
Also known as a master whistler and storyWeaver, Dr. Burks infuses his work with creativity, compassion, and authenticity. He is a proud graduate of Morehouse College, Trevecca Nazarene University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.



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"You don’t need more power to make a difference—
just the courage to use
what’s already in your hands."
— Dr. Tony Lamair Burks II



