Who Is
Walter Burgess?
Business leader. Public servant. Community builder. Walter Burgess has spent 30 years proving that conservative principles — accountability, limited government, and investment in people — deliver real results.
A Life of Service
and Results.
Walter Burgess is a proven business leader, public servant, and community builder who has called Bryant home for his entire career. As Co-CEO of Power Technology, Inc., he has spent 30 years leading a precision laser equipment manufacturing company that serves defense, biomedical, and semiconductor customers around the world.
Walter's approach to business has always been grounded in results: manage the product roadmap, serve the customer, grow the team, and take responsibility for the bottom line. That same discipline — combined with a deep belief in innovation as the engine of progress — has defined his decade of public service to the City of Bryant.
Beyond city government, Walter has been a tireless advocate for Arkansas's economic future. As Chairman of the Arkansas Science & Technology Board, he directed approximately $2.5 million per year toward the startups and entrepreneur support organizations that create jobs across the state.
Walter's commitment to education runs equally deep. He has served on advisory boards at UALR and UCA for over a decade, working directly with university deans to align engineering and science curricula with the real-world needs of Arkansas employers.
Conservative Values That Never Waver.
Entrepreneurship
Nearly 30 years building and leading Power Technology from the ground up — Walter knows what it takes to create jobs, meet a payroll, and grow a business.
Community First
From city planning to university boards to startup mentorship, Walter has spent decades investing in the people and institutions that make Arkansas stronger.
Limited Government
Walter believes in keeping government lean and focused on essentials — a principle he applied directly as Vice-Chairman of Bryant's Planning Commission.
Innovation & Growth
As Chairman of the Arkansas Science & Technology Board, Walter directed $4.5M/year toward the startups and entrepreneurs who drive Arkansas's economic future.
Proven Leadership.
Real Results.
Government Service
City Councilman
Jan 2025 – PresentCity of Bryant, Arkansas
Elected to represent the citizens of Bryant, one of Arkansas's fastest-growing cities. Leveraging a decade of experience on the planning commission to address infrastructure and growth challenges, and driving economic development initiatives through the state's 75 Strong program.
Planning Commission (former Vice-Chairman)
Dec 2015 – Dec 2024City of Bryant, Arkansas
Served nearly a decade shaping the growth of Bryant through planning and code creation. Championed limited, essential city codes to keep government lean and effective while supporting responsible development.
Chairman, Arkansas Science & Technology Board
Jan 2020 – Jan 2025Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Administered approximately $4.5M per year in taxpayer funds to grow jobs in Arkansas through support of startups and entrepreneurship. Oversaw funding for the Venture Center, Startup Junkies, Conductor, and other entrepreneur support organizations.
Chairman
Nov 2014 – Dec 2016Arkansas STEM Coalition
Led a statewide partnership of corporate, education, government, and community leaders to advocate for STEM excellence in Arkansas schools — expanding the state economy and creating higher-paying jobs.
Private Sector
Co-CEO, Sales & Engineering
Sep 1996 – PresentPower Technology, Inc.
For nearly 30 years, Walter has led Sales and Engineering at Power Technology — a Little Rock-based manufacturer of precision laser diode products for OEM analytical, biomedical, defense, security, and industrial applications. He manages the product roadmap, drives revenue growth, and holds full P&L responsibility for both divisions.
Entrepreneur in Residence
Mar 2024 – PresentPhoenix Accelerator (Forge Institute)
Supports early-stage entrepreneurs in the defense and aerospace sectors through the Forge Institute's Phoenix Accelerator. Facilitates corporate partnerships to enhance innovation within the defense industrial base and has mentored multiple startups focused on national defense needs.
Mentor to Tech Entrepreneurs
Nov 2022 – PresentScience Venture Studio
Made possible by the Walton Family Foundation in partnership with Innovate Arkansas and the University of Arkansas, the Science Venture Studio helps Arkansas science and technology startups access non-dilutive federal funding including SBIR and STTR grants.
Invested in
Arkansas's Future.
Walter has served on university advisory boards, industry publications, and civic organizations for over 15 years — connecting business, education, and government to build a stronger Arkansas.
Editorial Board of Advisors
Photonics Spectra Magazine (Laurin Publishing)
Provides the publisher and editor with insights into the photonics market, including emerging technology trends, market shifts, and corporate news across lasers, optics, cameras, LEDs, and fiber optics.
Editorial Board of Advisors
Laser Focus World (PennWell)
Advises Laser Focus World's leadership on photonics market trends, technology shifts, and industry developments relevant to its global readership.
Board Member
UALR Electrical & Computer Systems Engineering Advisory Council
Provides industry perspective into the engineering education process, specifically addressing the curriculum needs of Electrical and Computer Engineering students at UALR.
Board Member
UALR College of Science, Industrial Advisory Board
Serves on the Dean's Advisory Board, communicating the skills needs of local business and helping align UALR's College of Science with workforce demands. Actively supports the Fribourgh Award endowment for the College of Science Leadership Scholarship.
Board Member
UCA College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics Advisory Board
Advises Dean Stephen Addison on aligning student education with the human resource needs of local businesses in the Conway, Arkansas area.
Board Member
Museum of Discovery
Led discussions on the Exhibits Committee and supported Spark! events and general museum activities, helping connect the community with science and discovery.
Leadership
Credentials.
Leadership Arkansas, Class VI
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, 2011–2012
A statewide program identifying and training community leaders with the passion to engage in issues and programs that build a better Arkansas.
Leadership Saline, Class XVII
Leadership Saline County, 2022–2023
Equips local community leaders in Saline County with knowledge and training in leadership, civic engagement, and community development.
MEP Industry 4.0 Working Group
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 2020–Present
Shares best practices and accelerates the development of Industry 4.0 capabilities for U.S. manufacturers through the national MEP network.