For Immediate release
February 12, 2020

Contact: J&Z Strategies
info@jacobsonzilber.com

THORBURN EARNS SUPPORT OF GRASSROOTS GROUP OF WOMEN IN OC BOE BID

Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE) Backs Andy Thorburn’s School Board Bid

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — In another reflection of his wide-spread support from grassroots activists, today former classroom teacher Andy Thorburn secured the endorsement of Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE) in his campaign for Orange County Board of Education District 3.

Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE) is a diverse group of nonpartisan women that engages, educates and empowers its members and the community to advance progressive American values and ethics.

In a statement released with the announced endorsement, WAVE Endorsement Committee Chair Beth Daley Ullem commented:

“Orange County is facing challenging times; we need leaders who are committed to advancing true American values and ethics in our community. These candidates will provide sound leadership at the local level and help Orange County build a bench of progressive leaders. Orange County students and school districts need the services of Andy Thorburn.”

Recently, Thorburn released a new digital ad in his campaign, titled “Building Blocks of Change.”

Andy Thorburn is a former classroom teacher, workers’ rights advocate and successful businessman who is running to represent the Orange County Board of Education’s 3rd District. He has worked as an educator and entrepreneur, and at each phase in his life, he has prioritized the principle that any organization – a county or a company – gets the best results if it treats its people fairly, with dignity, and holds itself to a standard of excellence.

After college, Thorburn started his career in public service as a high school teacher in Newark, New Jersey. His leadership abilities were recognized almost immediately, and he was elected to a senior position in the local chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Also while teaching, Thorburn attended graduate school at Jersey City University. Thorburn also later served on the boards of the local United Family Agency, an organization from which he adopted his children, and the local YMCA.

After leaving the classroom, Thorburn founded a small business that specialized in selling insurance to working families, particularly classroom teachers. This launched a truly remarkable career in business and philanthropy that has led to him creating hundreds of jobs and providing retirement security to countless Americans at home and abroad.

Previously, Thorburn led the international company Global Benefits Group. He is also the founder of Contemporary Policy Institute – a nonprofit that focuses on educating the public about the facts surrounding key issues affecting our country today.

Thorburn has also been very active in community service organizations, including his current role on the Board of the Community Action Fund at the local Planned Parenthood chapter and the Executive Board of the Huntington Disease Taskforce. He had previously been active at Rotary International.

Thorburn has begun the process of building a broad coalition of students, educators, parents, and local elected officials, all of whom share his vision of providing a comprehensive public education to every student in Orange County.

Thorburn has been married to his wife Karen for 36 years, and they have two children together. Andy and Karen live in Orange County, where they have lived for the past 18 years.

For more information please visit:  https://www.thorburn4schoolboard.com