Kesha O’Reilly

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Kesha O’Reilly

Nonpartisan

Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees District 7

Tenure

2024 - Present

Term ends

2030

Years in position

1

Predecessor

Charletta Rogers Compton

Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last elected

June 15, 2024

Education

Graduate

University of Mississippi, 2023

Other

Howard University, 2000

Personal

Birthplace

Shreveport, La.

Religion

Baptist Christian

Profession

Director

Contact

Campaign website

Kesha O’Reilly is a member of the Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees in Texas, representing District 7. She assumed office on June 4, 2024. Her current term ends in 2030.

O’Reilly won election to the Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees to represent District 7 in Texas outright after the general runoff election on June 15, 2024, was canceled.

O’Reilly completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Kesha O’Reilly was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. She earned a doctor of pharmacy degree from Howard University in 2000. She earned a graduate degree from the University of Mississippi in 2023. Her career experience includes working as a director and working in healthcare and biotechnology.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Dallas County, Texas (2024)

General runoff election

The general runoff election was canceled. Kesha O’Reilly won election in the general runoff election for Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees District 7.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• DeAndrea Fleming (Nonpartisan)

General election

General election for Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees District 7

Kesha O’Reilly and DeAndrea Fleming advanced to a runoff. They defeated Joey Rodriguez and Jasmond Anderson in the general election for Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees District 7 on May 4, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kesha O’Reilly (Nonpartisan)	36.1	4,574
✔		DeAndrea Fleming (Nonpartisan)	29.7	3,774
		Joey Rodriguez (Nonpartisan)	18.1	2,292
	Submit photo	Jasmond Anderson (Nonpartisan)	16.1	2,047

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,687
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Nikisha Jackson (Nonpartisan)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for O’Reilly in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Kesha O’Reilly completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by O’Reilly's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

With over twenty years in healthcare and biotech, I've built a career on a foundation of education, earning a Doctor of Pharmacy from Howard University and a Master's in Population Health Science from the University of Mississippi. This journey reflects my dedication to creating opportunities that lead to success. My work at the intersection of STEM and community health drives my commitment to improving public health and fostering youth and career development.

My unique background combines military discipline, healthcare innovation, and global business insights, all underpinned by a strong commitment to service. As Director of Global Medical Affairs, I've led initiatives improving patient care and public health outcomes. My global business experience and military service have honed my leadership and strategic planning skills, essential for understanding the educational needs of Dallas College students.

My involvement extends into the South Dallas community, where I advocate for safe medication practices, support growth and fundraising for community based organizations, Through roles in my church’s medical ministry and various mentoring programs, I've demonstrated a deep commitment to wellness, youth empowerment, and access to essential services.

My broad range of experiences ideally positions me to guide Dallas College towards meeting the future workforce's evolving demands, ensuring our educational offerings remain impactful.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Strengthening Existing Partnerships Expanding successful initiatives like the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) and transfer agreements with four-year universities to meet evolving workforce needs and student aspirations
• Enhancing Employer Collaborations Leveraging the Texas Skills Development Fund and other state funding streams to deepen strategic partnerships with local businesses, ensuring our programs align with current and future job market demands.
• Improving Student Support Services Advocating for the expansion of Dallas College’s wraparound supports, including child care, food security, and transportation assistance, to remove barriers to education and facilitate student success

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Health and Healthcare Innovation: Deeply committed to advancing policies that improve public health outcomes. This includes advocating for innovative healthcare solutions, increased accessibility to quality care, and the integration of technology in medical practices to enhance patient care. Health is wealth.

Education and Workforce Development: Passionate about policies that enhance educational opportunities and vocational training. I believe in creating pathways that lead not only to academic success but also to fulfilling careers, especially in STEM fields.

Community Health and Wellness: My work in community health advocacy underscores my passion for policies that support community wellness programs.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I deeply admire my parents, dedicated factory workers who consistently ensured my brother and I had everything we needed. Despite not having attended college, they instilled in us the importance of education, seizing opportunities, saving, and fully engaging in all that school offered. Their encouragement led me to learn the cello, choose Army ROTC over PE classes and eventually secure an ROTC scholarship for college. Who would have imagined two factory workers attending the youth symphony to watch their daughter perform as the 1st chair? Their support turned possibilities into realities.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela: Mandela’s autobiography not only chronicles his life but also exemplifies the struggle for justice, the importance of resilience, and the pursuit of equality and democracy.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

For me,integrity stands paramount, ensuring honesty, ethical conduct, and transparency. An elected official must exhibit accountability, taking responsibility for their actions and being open to scrutiny.

I also believe empathy and compassion are crucial for understanding and addressing the needs of diverse constituents, guiding policy decisions towards the community's betterment. Vision and leadership are crucial for officials to set goals, inspire, and guide, particularly in challenging times. Effective communication skills are vital for engaging with stakeholders and articulating policies clearly.

Knowledge and competence in understanding issues and legislative processes are essential for informed decision-making. Collaboration and teamwork underscore the importance of working with others to achieve common objectives. Adaptability and resilience reflect the ability to navigate change and recover from setbacks.

Above all, a deep commitment to public service should drive elected officials, prioritizing the community's welfare over personal interests. These interdependent traits ensure trustworthiness, good governance, and positive societal impacts, maintaining public trust and fostering a better future for all constituents.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Solution-Driven Mindset: My career in the healthcare and biotech industries showcases my ability to address complex problems with innovative solutions. This quality is essential for an officeholder, who must navigate the complexities of public policy and governance to effect positive change.

Commitment to Community Service: My dedication to serving under-resourced communities, especially those affected by racial and discriminatory practices, speaks to a profound commitment to equity and justice. This aligns with the core responsibilities of an officeholder, who must serve the interests and needs of all constituents.

Collaborative Leadership: My background emphasizes collaboration, a crucial quality for an officeholder who must work effectively with various stakeholders, including constituents, colleagues, and other government entities, to accomplish policy goals.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe the core responsibilities of someone elected to the Dallas College Board of Trustees are:

(1) Crafting and implementing policies that govern Dallas College, ensuring they align with the institution's mission, uphold educational standards, and comply with legal requirements. I believe this commitment to policy development and governance should be seen as crucial for the effective administration of the college.

(2) Fiscal oversight - The importance of responsible budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation should be emphasized to maintain the college's financial health, approve budgets, and safeguard assets for future stability.

(3) Strategic planning - Advocate for setting clear objectives for academic programs, student services, and community engagement to proactively meet the educational and workforce needs of the region.

(4) Community representation as an area of focus - Advocate and liaise for the college within the community, engaging with local members, businesses, and stakeholders to build support and foster partnerships.

(5) Ensure educational quality and meet accreditation requirements - Takes seriously the importance of maintaining high standards of educational excellence.

(6) Hire and evaluate senior leadership - Believes in the importance of selecting, hiring, and evaluating the college’s senior leader to ensure visionary, ethical, and effective leadership.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I aspire to leave a legacy that reflects a profound commitment to transforming lives and communities. I envision being remembered as a catalyst for positive change, someone who had a deep sense of empathy to address critical challenges and unlock potential.

I want to inspire future generations to pursue a path of service, leading with integrity and a belief in the power of collective action.

Ultimately, the legacy I aim to leave is one where I've contributed to building a more inclusive, educated, and healthy society that's prepared to embrace the future with confidence and compassion.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I recall when Ronald Reagan won the presidency over Jimmy Carter. In my second grade class, we conducted a mock election where Jimmy Carter emerged victorious. This memory has always stayed with me because I was puzzled by how our classroom's outcome differed from the actual election results broadcasted on TV.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

At the age of 13, I was hired by my church to tutor 1st and 2nd graders in reading and math. I had it for 2 summers.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Warmth of Other Suns
Book by Isabel Wilkerson - It's a powerful recount of what African Americans experienced before, during, and after the great migration for a better life from the South. I appreciate how the author gives a history lesson in such a loving story telling way.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Snoopy

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Happy Birthday by Stevie Wonder

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Routine exercise

Tell us your favorite joke.

What do you call fake pasta?
Impasta

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

John Wiley Price
Royce West II

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I firmly believe that financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to a thriving democracy and effective governance. Transparency ensures that the details of government spending are open for all to see, fostering a deep trust between the public and their officials. It requires clear, comprehensive reporting on budgets and expenditures, making the inner workings of government finances accessible and understandable. This openness empowers me and my fellow citizens to hold our leaders accountable for their fiscal decisions.

Accountability means that officials must answer for their actions, underpinned by audits, public inquiries, and thorough investigations. These mechanisms deter corruption and ensure policies reflect the public interest, deepening trust and enabling active civic engagement.

To me, these aren't just procedural ideals; they're ethical imperatives that uphold the integrity of public service and ensure policies benefit the community. They are essential for attracting investment and promoting sustainable development, demonstrating that public resources are managed responsibly.

Committing to financial transparency and government accountability strengthens democracy, ensuring governance is fair, efficient, and responsive. It aligns with my belief in the power of informed citizenry in shaping equitable, just, and prosperous societies.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees District 7

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