RICH THOME
- Rich Thome joined Leadership Associates in 2006. He has conducted numerous executive searches since that time. He currently serves as an Executive Coach for Pivot Learning Partners in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, and Educational Leader in Residence at the University of San Diego. Prior to joining Leadership Associates Rich served as superintendent search consultant for the San Diego County Office of Education conducting searches for numerous school districts in the County.
- Rich served as Superintendent of Schools for South Bay Union School District. He also served as Superintendent of the of the Cardiff Elementary School District. Previously he served students as teacher, principal, coordinator, director and assistant superintendent in the Capistrano Unified School District.
- Rich currently serves on the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences Advisory Board and recently served on the Classroom of the Future Foundation Board of Directors.
- He received his BA from California State University, Los Angeles and his Master's from Pepperdine University. He is fluently bilingual in Spanish and received his Bilingual, Cross Cultural Specialist credential in California.
- Rich was awarded the prestigious Ohtli Award in 2008 for his 40 years of services to the Latino Community. In 2007 Rich was awarded the Excellence in Leadership Award by the University of California, San Diego and in 2006 he was awarded the Willie Velasquez Community Service Award.
- Throughout the course of his career he has received the Honorary Service Award from the California Congress of Parents, Teachers and Students, the Orange County Hispanic Educator of The Year Award and the Apple Distinguished Educator Award.
- Rich gained distinction in San Diego County and the region serving as Chairperson of the Superintendents' Technology Advisory Committee and leading the expansion of technology efforts of school districts throughout the region.
- Rich is married and has three children and one grandchild.