About Sally Willard
Business Experience
For over 25 years I have had my own business, Wizard Associates. As Chief Wizard, I provide web development services for small and non-profit organizations. Prior to Wizard Associates, I was:
- An Operations Research and Economic Analyst for a major financial institution,
- Executive Director of a forum for entrepreneurs
- Controller for an angel-funded technology company
- Consultant with a strategic consulting firm, and
- Video production manager for a video production company.
Upon starting Wizard Associates in 1994, I helped small businesses with their business plans and budgets. Prior to this I was a Vice President at BayBank. I also worked with and for entrepreneurial businesses, including as the Controller for Playrific, Inc., an angel-funded startup. I was also the executive director of IdeaSphere, a forum for entrepreneurs, where I recruited entrepreneurs to present their companies, organized review sessions and the meetings at which ventures were presented. I founded GroupsAndMeetings.com, a website for information about business and professional groups and their meetings.
I was a member of the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce and its predecessor organization for more than 20 years.
I was a founding board member of the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Local Government Participation
I believe that being involved is important. This is why I devote time and energy to the Town and other organizations where commitment is vital. I have served as a member of Town Meeting for almost 20 years between 1998- 2022. During those years, I’ve been a member of the following Town Committees:
- Zoning Bylaw Review
- Capital Budget
- Land Use Committee
- Facilities Committee
- Government Review
I was Town Moderator for 2 years.
I am currently a member of the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee, appointed by the Town Administrator as a representative of Burlington’s Business Community. I am Chair of the Signage Subcommittee.
Personal stuff
I am a firm and ardent believer in participatory democracy, not only at the federal and state levels but at the local level. To that end, I have been a poll worker for the for over 20 years. Government should be conducted in the sunlight, not behind closed doors whose participants are funded by hidden sources.
In the early 2000s I was involved with BCAT as a volunteer, producer, and host for several series which showcased entrepreneurs, golf, and medical services. I served as a Member of the Board and Treasurer for many years. Additionally, during this time I moderated BCAT Candidate Forums and was a member of the Cable Advisory Committee.
I am currently a member and Treasurer of the Last Word Toastmasters Club, a community organization that helps people improve their communication skills. I am a member of the ARFF (Agility is Really Fun for Fido) Agility Club and have served in various Board positions. I am a member of the United Church of Christ, Congregational, Burlington, where I currently serve as Moderator.
I have lived on Foster Rd in Burlington for over 35 years with my wife, Eileen Sickler. We currently have 1 dog, Tiger, who we train for competitive dog agility events.