Tyrone Willis is a Public Affairs and Communications Professional and former candidate for Houston City Council District B.

The native Houstonian (and in his words “home-grown Texan”) currently serves as Secretary of the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ), a nonprofit organization of media professionals from the Houston area with members in every facet of print, broadcast and online media, education, and corporate communications. HABJ provides quality programs and services in Houston and the surrounding area. The organization was founded in 1986 and is one of the largest organizations of journalists of color in Houston. HABJ is an affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Consistent with its purpose, HABJ provides professional development, honors excellence in journalism, cultivates young journalists to successfully enter the professional world of journalism and communication, and ensures accurate coverage of the minority community. HABJ also awards scholarships and provides future workforce development and summer training opportunities for college students majoring in communications. Additionally, HABJ presents community outreach programs, seminars, and town hall forums free for community groups and communications professionals.

Prior to his current role Tyrone served on the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Communications team. The office worked to advance the priorities and accomplishments of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Administration and promoted transparent, timely, and accurate information to the media and public to help them better understand their municipal government. It guided each City of Houston department and office to ensure alignment with the administration and enhance communications with the citizens of Houston. The office also processes ceremonial documents and provides responsive documents on time in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.

Previously, Tyrone was Society Editor for the Forward Times Newspaper, a weekly publication headquartered in Houston and the largest black-owned newspapers in the city.

A passionate advocate for social justice and racial healing, Tyrone brings to the Steering Committee over ten years of progressive experience in communication and networking in line with our global strategic plan.

Willis is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, where his major was Political Science. During his high school years, he attended Westbury Christian School, where he gained interest in community involvement. As a senior, he was appointed to the City of Houston Mayor’s Youth Council, representing District B. This further sparked his interest in city planning and politics.