Meet Sheila Burkett

Sheila Burkett with her husband, Steven, their kids, James, Tory, Steven, John and Kate

Sheila's family

Sheila Burkett and her husband, Steven have been married 27 years. They have three sons, two daughters-in-law and a new grandson. Pictured above from left to right are James, Tory, Steven III, Steven II, Sheila, John and Kate. All of her children (and daughters-in-law) graduated from Webster Groves High School. James and Tory live in Webster Groves, John and Kate in Tower Grove Park and Steven III in Spencer, IA.

Community Involvement

"Community service has always been a central part of who I am. Growing up in rural Missouri, I learned that neighbors take care of each other. That spirit of connection deepened through my time as a Delta Zeta, where I built lifelong friendships and a commitment to giving back. For decades, I’ve volunteered my time and talents to causes that matter. I believe strong communities are built not just by policy, but by people who show up, listen, and lead with heart. - Sheila Burkett"

Ways Sheila Has Served

Kirkwood Human Rights Commission, 06/2025 - present
YWCA Leaders Lunch Committee, 2023-present; 2025 Chair
Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club of S. Louis Table of Four Committee 2023-2025, Vice Chair 2023, Chair 2024
UMSL College of Business Administration Leadership Advisory Council Member 2016-present
Co-Founder of Women Executives in Technology, 2005 - present
St. Lous Forum Member 2012-present, Board 2018-2024, Board President 2021-2023
Together Digital City Champion, 2020-2022
Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis Board Member 2013-2024, Vice Board Chair & Treasurer 2022-2024
UMSL IS&T Advisory Board Member 2001-2021
St. Louis Alumnae Panhellenic Association, 2000-2021
Washington University in St. Louis Public Relations National Council 2013-2019
Missouri Venture Forum Board Member 2015-2019
Craft Alliance Board Member 2005-2015, Board Chair 2009-2012
Founder of Women Entrepreneurs in St. Lous, 2012-2015
Delta Zeta member 1985-present

Sheila Burkett is a two time winner of the St. Louis Titan 100 award.

Values driven leader

Sheila is a proven leader who knows how to listen, collaborate, and get results. As a successful business owner, community organizer, and civic volunteer, she spent her career bringing people together to solve complex problems and make meaningful change. She leads with empathy, acts with transparency, and builds coalitions that reflect the full diversity and strength of the communities she serves. She understands how systems work and how to make them work better for people.

Awards & Recognition

St. Louis Titan 100 honoree, 2023 & 2024
YWCA 2022 Leader of Distinction
Led Spry Digital to be recognized on the Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies on 2021 & 2022
2020 Vistage Leadership Award
St. Louis' Best Bosses 2018 by St. Louis Small Business Monthly
2015 St. Louis Small Business Monthly 100 St. Louisans You Should Know
2015 St. Louis Small Business Monthly Leaders in Technology
2014 Salute to Business Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by UMSL
2014 UMSL Women's Trailblazer Award
2006 St. Louis Business Journal Most Influential Business Woman

Frequently Asked Questions?

What is your CEO experience?

What was an example of a major problem that you faced and how did you solve it?

What was the dollar value of projects/programs?

I am the Co-Founder and CEO of Spry Digital, where I have led the organization for over 15 years. Under my leadership, we have twice earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. I am particularly proud that over 90% of my staff has an ownership stake in the company, and our clients stay with us for an average of 10+ years.

Recently, Spry Digital led the digital transformations for the Saint Louis Science Center and Mid-America Transplant. When the pandemic hit, our resilience and readiness allowed us to double in size while seamlessly transitioning to a remote workforce. I bring this same focus on action, stability, and results to my work for the people of Kirkwood.

What was the dollar value of projects/programs?

What was an example of a major problem that you faced and how did you solve it?

What was the dollar value of projects/programs?

At Spry Digital, our projects vary in scale; for example, our largest project last year exceeded $500,000 and involved the complex migration of 1.5 million products into a single platform.

Prior to founding my company, I spent the final five years of my 20-year career at Edward Jones managing the firm’s entire project portfolio. This portfolio consisted of over $250 million in annual investments across 150 to 200 major active projects. In this role, I was responsible for the strategic allocation of more than 1,500 technology employees to ensure these initiatives were delivered successfully. I bring this same level of rigorous financial oversight and resource management to the Kirkwood City Council.

What was an example of a major problem that you faced and how did you solve it?

A defining moment in my career occurred while I was a technology leader at Edward Jones. Our firm’s communication satellite failed, leaving all branch offices nationwide unable to conduct trades or process customer transactions online for several days.

As the lead technology partner, I was responsible for helping spearhead the recovery. I guided our team through the complex process of transitioning to a new satellite and the massive logistical undertaking of deploying technicians across the country to manually repoint the satellite dishes at every branch office.

Beyond the technical recovery, I led our technology communication strategy. I personally handled escalated calls, listening to our financial advisors' concerns, helping them solve urgent client problems, and providing the reassurance needed during a period of intense uncertainty. This experience taught me how to lead through a crisis by balancing technical execution with empathetic, transparent communication. This is a skill set I bring to the Kirkwood City Council when navigating our community's most difficult challenges.

Meet Sheila Burkett

Sheila's family

Community Involvement

Values driven leader

Frequently Asked Questions?

What is your CEO experience?

What was an example of a major problem that you faced and how did you solve it?

What was the dollar value of projects/programs?

What was the dollar value of projects/programs?

What was an example of a major problem that you faced and how did you solve it?

What was the dollar value of projects/programs?

What was an example of a major problem that you faced and how did you solve it?

What was an example of a major problem that you faced and how did you solve it?

What was an example of a major problem that you faced and how did you solve it?

My Blog

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