Thaddeus M. Bullard, Sr.

President, Bullard Family Foundation, Tampa

Thaddeus M. Bullard, widely known as the retired professional wrestler Titus O’Neil, grew up in poverty to a single mom who struggled to make ends meet. He found a way out of the vicious cycle via athletics, playing football at the University of Florida under then-Coach Steve Spurrier and went on to become a WWE star. He gives back through his Bullard Family Foundation. Every year, since 2009, he has provided gifts to thousands of underprivileged Tampa residents and their families at his “Joy of Giving” event. Last year, three families received cars. His foundation has also partnered with Hillsborough County Public Schools to transform Sligh Middle Magnet School into “an innovative education and community hub to create lasting generational change,” according to the foundation’s website, with a gym for school staff, a multimillion-dollar track and turf field and wraparound services for the community.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BA)