All In and All About Others
By Marilyn Thomas
“Giving back and staying actively involved in the community has always been something I value deeply, both personally and professionally,” asserts Nicholle Burroughs, Irmo’s current deputy town administrator. According to Burroughs, her evolution into community-centric work was an “organic process” that began when she started volunteering during high school. Those early experiences helped her to understand that “becoming the change” is an individual’s responsibility and one must be an active participant in every endeavor.
Eventually, Burroughs chose to work in local government because of its complex layers, wide-ranging opportunities, and potential for making a difference. “I truly believe public service is one of the most meaningful professions because the work you do each day has a direct impact on the quality of life,
opportunities, and future of the community you serve,” she explains. Just a few of the many entities in which Burroughs has invested her time include We Care Center Community Outreach, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, local schools, chambers of commerce, and other philanthropical community organizations.
Whether at work or play, Burroughs finds ways to be intentionally supportive. She has been with her husband, Joey, for 16 years, and when their two young children, Riley and Levi, became interested in sports, the parenting duo accepted leadership roles for their teams (i.e., volleyball, basketball,
baseball, and softball), so they could all spend time together as a family during those activities. When not on the playing field, their home base is a 12-acre property in Prosperity, where they have a four-pound Yorkie, and three cat siblings: Henry, Coal, and Coco (as in “Chanel”).
For personal downtime or vacationing, Burroughs enjoys relaxing on the beach or embarking on exciting adventures with an “amazing group of girlfriends,” she says. Her favorite events to visit include live music concerts, art showcases, and small-town festivals.
On a deeper level, Burroughs speaks of how her faith has guided and sustained her throughout her life. “I think having a faith in something bigger than yourself is incredibly important,” she shares. “Every good thing, evey bad thing that has happened to me, I know is all part of a grander plan, and I am so grateful that I’m able to be in this life and have all the blessings that I do.”
As for the future, instead of focusing on a specific destination, Burroughs remains committed to a broader purpose. “No matter what I’m doing and where I’m at, I really want to be a good example to my children of how one person can impact a community,” she says. “Whether that’s through a faith-based
organization, a nonprofit, or the job that I have, I want them to always see someone who was willing to give her time, energy, and effort to make a difference. At the end of the day, I think we’re put on this earth to make the world a better place, and I hope that my children see that in me.”
