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| Andy Thomas |
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) recently announced that Brazil resident Andy Thomas was named the new Executive Director of its organization.
Thomas will assume the post Sept. 1, 2008. He will succeed Ralph D. Ayres, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
"I have big shoes to fill in succeeding Ralph Ayres," Thomas said. "I plan to travel the state to introduce myself to local IRTA members. I'm proud to be working for Indiana's premiere organization, which advocates for quality of life issues for retired educators, who have dedicated their professional lives to preparing young Hoosiers for the challenges of life. These retired educators continue to give through their volunteer efforts back to our local communities."
Thomas heads to the IRTA from the Office of the Indiana Attorney General, where he served as Deputy Attorney General in the Government Litigation Division since 2006. Prior to that, Thomas served as the State Representative for House District 44 from 2002-06.
While serving as Deputy Attorney General, Thomas prosecuted and received convictions of 36 voter fraud cases set for jury trials in Lake County, Ind.
While serving as State Representatives, Thomas co-authored, sponsored or co-sponsored 114 bills.
Thomas has also taught legal classes at Indiana State University and Ivy Tech Community College as an Adjunct Professor.
He also served as Chief Deputy Prosecutor of Clay County, Vigo County Deputy Prosecutor and serves as a general practice attorney at Thomas and Thomas Attorney, 33 W. National Ave., Brazil, where he grew up.
Thomas received a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Valparaiso University and a Political Science B.A. from Indiana University.
"We were blessed with a large number of outstanding candidates," IRTA President Eugene Wease said. "That's why we are so pleased to obtain such a highly qualified leader for IRTA. We look forward to working with him."
Founded in 1950, IRTA is the largest and oldest organization in Indiana, serving retired educators. IRTA has nearly 23,000 members.
Thomas' father, Amos Thomas, is the current State Representative for District 44.
Whats up with this picture, it's definitely been edited and looks nothing like Andy. Anyway, Andy is a great guy and I could think of no better person for this job. He is a role model that I look up to in this community. I also attend church with Andy and his family. Wonderful family and people!!
Congratulations to Andy! I am proud to have been his teacher my first year in the profession. I knew then that he'd be a successful individual.
Good luck, Andy.
Smart move, gettin' away from Mitch while the gettins' good!
Go Jill!
I as well want to extend my congrautlations, however I agree with shanbilly although I have never lived at those apartments I was shown one by him before and he was rude. I have no respect for this man and I hope he carries himself in a more respectful manner in this career than as a landlord!
wonder if he'll do a better job at this than he did as a landlord? i was a previous tenant of his on Franklin St. and i could think of a few other names besides "landlord" to refer to him as. good luck to all those under him is all i can say!!!!
Wonder how long he will stick with this position?
That is a very well deserving person. I am proud to know Andy.
Congrats to Andy! He's very well deserving