About Josh

“His leadership is driven not only by his heart but is wisely guided by his intelligence and deep experience”

– Virginia DuPuy, Former Mayor of Waco

Josh Borderud has served on the Waco City Council since November 2020. Prior to his election, he chaired the Plan Commission and served as a neighborhood association president. He currently serves on the boards of the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, and the Waco-McLennan County Bar Association.

On the faculty at Baylor Law School, Josh serves as the Director of Clinical & Pro Bono Programs, supervising law students assisting veterans, first responders, and children. For his work, he received the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Professional Service at the Supreme Court of the United States from the American Inns of Court.

Serving veterans. Josh was raised in a military family. Both of his grandfathers fought in World War II. His mother served as a Navy nurse and his father served as an Army chaplain. He grew up on military installations across the United States and Germany, including three years at Fort Hood. For Josh, serving veterans is an honor and a privilege. Prior to serving on council, he spearheaded the creation of the McLennan County Veterans Treatment Court. In his first term on council, he led the effort to establish the Waco Veterans Affairs Advisory Board.

Education. At Baylor University, Josh received his bachelor’s degree in history and was named the Outstanding Senior History Major. He then received his master’s degree in history from Baylor and was named the university’s Outstanding Graduate Student. Finally, he earned his law degree from Baylor and served on the Baylor Law Review.

Work experience. After graduation, he commuted from Waco to nearby Milam County to work as an assistant district attorney, prosecuting criminal cases and serving as legal adviser to the county judge. He then joined the Waco law firm of Pakis, Giotes, Page & Burleson, P.C. While in private practice, he was named the Outstanding Young Lawyer of McLennan County.

Family. Josh is married to Jennifer Borderud, the director of the Armstrong Browning Library at Baylor University. They have two children.