From Rags to CEO: The Story of Ursula Burns

She grew up in a single-parent home with two siblings in a low-income housing project in New York City. But that did not deter Burns from achieving success.

The New York State Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides academic and financial support to students. Burns was selected for that program and she earned a bachelor of science degree from Polytechnic University and a master of science degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University in 1981.

But even before she graduated, Burns was taking the necessary steps along the path which would lead to her history-making success.

She joined Xerox Corporation in 1980 with a summer internship. From there, her rise to the top was imminent.

She worked in product development and planning, then led several business teams such as office color, fax business and office network copying business. She was also the executive assistant to Paul Allaire, at the time the Xerox chairman and chief executive officer.

Then in 2000, Burns headed up manufacturing and supply chain operations as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Services. Before long, she was president of Xerox Business Group Operations and named a corporate senior vice president. She was responsible for global research, engineering, marketing and manufacturing of the Xerox line of products and services.

Burns was chosen on June 2009 to serve as CEO of Xerox Corporation. She is the first African American woman CEO to head an S&P 100 company.

Burns also serves on a number of boards, both professional and community, such as American Express, Boston Scientific, National Association of Manufacturers, the MIT Corporation and the Rochester Business Alliance.

Of particular interest is that Burns took over the helm of CEO from another woman - Anne Mulcahy. It was the first time, according to Xerox, that a female chief executive officer has replaced another female chief executive officer as a Fortune 500 company.

"Xerox today offers the broadest portfolio of document management systems and software in our industry and in our history. That progress happened on Ursula's watch as she drove a technology strategy that launched more than 100 products in the last three years," said Mulcahy. "At the same time, Ursula led activities that strengthened Xerox's business model so we're more efficient, competitive and profitable.

"This organizational change is a logical next step for our company and for Ursula. She brings deep knowledge and experience to the president role, where she'll work closely with me and our leadership team to accelerate our growth in color, services and new business markets." [1]

Of her career with Xerox Corporation, Burns said, "I came to Xerox as a student intern 27 years ago because of its respected reputation for research and engineering. I stayed because of the people and to be part of a values-based culture with a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to customers. To join Anne in leading Xerox's global team is a true honor. I have tremendous pride in this company and am confident we have the best people and the best products and services to aggressively drive our growth strategy, winning in the marketplace and building value for our stakeholders."[1]

[1] Businesswire