William D. Euille facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William Euille
Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia
In office July 1, 2003 – January 4, 2016
Preceded by	Kerry J. Donley
Succeeded by	Allison Silberberg
Personal details
Born	1950 (age 74–75) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	Quinnipiac University

William Darnell "Bill" Euille (born in 1950) is an American politician. He served as the mayor of Alexandria, Virginia, from 2003 until 2016. He was the first African-American person to hold the mayor's position in Alexandria's history. Mr. Euille also helped lead the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which runs public transportation. In 2020, he was chosen to join the board of the Virginia ABC.

William Euille's Early Life and Education

William Euille was born in Alexandria, Virginia. He went to T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria and graduated in 1968. After high school, he studied at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Quinnipiac in 1972.

Starting a Career in Business

After college, Mr. Euille began his career as an accountant in 1972. He worked for a construction company in Alexandria. Within eight years, he became a Vice President and Controller. In this role, he was in charge of all the company's contracts, money, and office tasks.

Serving the Community

William Euille has always been very involved in his community. He has helped many groups and organizations in Alexandria and Washington, D.C.

Helping Local Organizations

In 1994, he started the William D. Euille Foundation to help others. He also worked with the Alexandria Boys and Girls Club and the American Heart Association. From 1998 to 2000, he was the chairman for the Alexandria United Way Campaign. He also served on the board for INOVA Hospital Health System and the Hopkins House Association. In 2001, he was chairman of the NOVA Urban League Board of Directors. He also supported the Alexandria Community Trust and the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. He is a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Alexandria.

Business and Industry Involvement

Mr. Euille is also active in business and construction groups. These include the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and the US Chamber of Commerce. He is also part of the National Association of Minority Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. He has also worked with the NOVA Building Industry Association.

William Euille's Political Career

William Euille has a long history of public service in Alexandria. He started by serving on the Alexandria School Board.

Roles in City Government

Mr. Euille was on the Alexandria School Board from 1974 to 1984. Later, he was elected to the Alexandria City Council. He served on the City Council from 1994 until 2003.

Becoming Mayor of Alexandria

In May 2003, William Euille made history. He was elected as Alexandria's first African-American mayor. He was re-elected as mayor several times, in 2006, 2009, and 2012. His time as mayor ended in January 2016.

Other Important Positions

During his career, Mr. Euille held other important roles. He served on the board of directors for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority. He was also on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA). He led the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and was president of the Virginia Transit Authority (VTA). He also chaired the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG). He served on the Governor's Council on Virginia Future and was president of the Virginia Municipal League (VML).

Later Political Activities

In 2015, Mr. Euille ran for mayor again but lost in the primary election. He then ran as a write-in candidate but did not win. The new mayor, Allison Silberberg, took office in January 2016. In 2019, Governor Ralph Northam appointed Mr. Euille to the Virginia ABC Authority's governing board. His five-year term began in January 2020.

Awards and Honors

William Euille has received many awards for his work and service.

• In 1994, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Virginia NAACP.
• He was listed in "Who's Who in the East" and "Who's Who in America."
• In 1995, he received the Community Service Award from the Hopkins House Association.
• He also received the Outstanding Young Men of America Award.
• In 1996, he earned the Blue Chip Award from the US Chamber of Commerce.
• He was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Washington Post and Ernst & Young, LLP in 1996.
• The US Small Business Administration recognized him as the Small Business Person of the Year in 1996.
• He received community service awards from the Alexandria NAACP (1996), Northern Virginia Urban League, Inc. (1997), Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (1997), and the Alexandria Sportsman Club (1998).
• In 2000, he was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.
• He received SBA's Graduate of the Year Award in 2000.
• In 2001, he received the "Whole Village Award" from the Education Association of Alexandria.
• The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce named him Business Leader of the Year in 2001.