Literacy for Life Board Announces New Executive Director
The Board of Directors for Literacy for Life has named Jason Thornton Executive Director. Jason, who had served as Acting Executive Director since November 2020, assumes the permanent post effective immediately.
“Jason earned the unanimous confidence of the Board of Directors and Advisory Council for his demonstrably steady leadership and skillful command in steering the agency through an unprecedented and disruptive year. He is a dedicated servant leader who shall infuse stability and usher the agency to the next chapter of its bold future,” said Benming “Benny” Zhang, President of the Board of Directors. Treasurer Andrea Salamy added, “As we launched the search process, we also observed Jason’s extraordinary performance in the interim position. We promptly recognized that he enjoys the well-deserved respect of the agency’s learners, volunteers, and donors. We have confidence that he is the right choice for the position of Executive Director.”
Prior to serving as the Acting Executive Director, Jason served Literacy for Life as their Deputy Director and English Literacy and Civics Education Program Manager. As a result of his leadership in these positions, the agency’s English Literacy and Civics Education programming saw improved retention and measurable increases in English learners’ language ability, educational attainment, and workplace advancement. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jason was the driving force behind the agency’s momentous and timely shift to virtual programming.
As the Acting Executive Director, Jason swiftly ensured a smooth continuity of services and operations and quickly built relationships across the Literacy for Life community. Literacy for Life will be launching a new and inclusive strategic planning process under Jason, with inclusive involvement from the Board of Directors and stakeholders from across the Literacy for Life community participating and contributing authentically to this process.
“I am thrilled to serve as the Executive Director of an organization with such a rich history and promising future," Jason stated. "For nearly five decades, because of the generous support of our donors and the commitment of our volunteer tutors, Literacy for Life has provided thousands of adult learners with the skills and resources they need to achieve success in life and work. We remain committed to meeting the diverse needs of adults in our community with quality and innovation.”