Ato Haile Teferra

Ato Haile Teferra was born in Tita, near Dessie in Wello, Ethiopia, into a family with strong cultural and spiritual roots. His father was a priest from Ambasel, Wello, and his mother was from Borumeda near Dessie. He grew up with four sisters and five brothers; tragically, his older brother was assassinated by the Derg regime.

Haile began his early education in Korem, Wello, later attending Lt. General Hailu Kebede School and then completing his high school studies at Wizero Siheen Comprehensive High School (1971–1973). He enrolled at Addis Ababa University from 1974 to 1975, before joining the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Army (EPRA) in Asimba, Adi-Erob, in 1975. His journey took him to Khartoum, Sudan (1980–1981) before immigrating to the United States in 1981.

Haile’s American journey began in Columbus, Ohio, before settling in Houston, Texas, in June 1981. He went on to work for Whole Foods Market for 19 years, serving as a General Manager for its production facility. He also broke barriers by becoming the first Ethiopian-born Sheriff Deputy in Texas, serving with Fort Bend County, and later advancing his law enforcement career with the University of Texas Police Department, where he is currently a Senior Public Safety Officer.

Haile has been married since May 1983, and together with his wife, he proudly celebrates over 40 years of marriage. They are blessed with three daughters.

Beyond his professional achievements, Haile has been deeply engaged in community service and leadership. He served as Business Manager of the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA) from 1988 to 2008. His life story has been widely recognized, including coverage in the Fort Bend Herald, features on ESAT and Ethio 360 Media, and several interviews highlighting his journey—most notably titled “The Story of Haile Coming to the U.S. with Only $11 and Barefoot.”