OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Former state legislator and leading education advocate Ted Lempert has been named president of Children Now, a leading child research and action organization. The announcement was made today by Jane K. Gardner, chair of Children Now's board of directors.
"Ted Lempert brings extraordinary and wide-ranging credentials to Children Now," said Gardner. "He has been a strong advocate for children and has focused on children's issues as a state legislator. He also has an intimate understanding of the political process and funding for nonprofit organizations. We are confident that Ted's passion for children and their well-being, combined with his solid advocacy and legislative experience, will significantly enhance Children Now as the 'go-to' resource for research and policy issues related to children's needs."
Lempert most recently served as the founding chief executive officer of EdVoice, a respected statewide advocacy organization focused on education reform and increased school funding. He served four terms as an assembly member in the California State Legislature, representing San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. While in the legislature, he chaired the Assembly's Higher Education Committee, the Select Committees on Education Technology and Coastal Protection, and co-chaired the Education Master Plan Committee. Lempert began his career as a lawyer with Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton in San Francisco.
"I am honored and excited at the same time," said Lempert. "There is tremendous opportunity at Children Now that I find compelling and irresistible. Building on the momentum of this dynamic and effective voice for children on both the California and national stage, I am anxious to help make this voice even stronger-advocating for better health care, preschool and after-school care, quality media and other policies critical to a child's healthy development."
Also a past president and member of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, Lempert founded the county's Youth Commission and served as liaison to the county's Human Services Agency, Hospital Board, Mental Health Board, AIDS Community Board and Health Plan, among others.
Recognition for his diverse community activities include the California School Boards Association's Al Rodda Lifetime Service Award and Legislator of the Year awards from the California Association of School Administrators and the UC and CSU Students Associations. Lempert has been cited by various organizations for his leadership on issues ranging from domestic violence to high technology to perinatal policy.
Facilitating the search for Children Now was The Explore Company, an executive search firm focused on strengthening leadership and governance of organizations committed to social equality, economic and environmental development and access to health care and public education for all children.
Children Now is an independent, nonpartisan research and action organization dedicated to assuring that children grow up in economically secure families, where parents can go to work confident that their children are supported by quality health coverage, a positive media environment, a good early education and safe, enriching activities after school.