Who is Ashley Bean Thornton?
Teacher. Worker. Community Connector.
Who am I and why am I running?
I’ve been a teacher, a corporate trainer, and I worked at Baylor for 20 years doing everything from training to strategic planning, process improvement, and community outreach.
I’m retired now. My husband, Craig, and I have been happily married for more than 40 years. We have three dogs of various sizes, personalities, and genealogies. I am very serious about my jalapeño cheddar biscuits at Whataburger. I wear only comfortable clothes. We have a ridiculous number of books.
Our house is paid off. We can afford the air conditioning. We can keep the cars running. We can go to the doctor when we need to. We can take a trip every now and then.
We are living our American Dream.
I am running for office because I believe we are all better off when that kind of good, secure life is within reach for more people. I believe great public schools, economic policies that support working families, and a commitment to working together make that more likely.
Life and Career
My dad was in the heavy construction business — roads and bridges, that kind of thing. My mom was a high school English teacher and librarian. We moved around a lot when I was little before finally settling in Baytown, Texas.
My next stop was Baylor, where I met my husband, Craig. After graduation, we moved to San Marcos, where we both earned our teaching certificates from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University).
We moved to Houston, where we both taught high school for a few years. Eventually, I took my teaching skills into the business world and became a corporate trainer. I helped develop computer-based training for companies such as Shell Oil and Delta Airlines.
Along the way, I learned about all kinds of work — refinery safety, running a convenience store, customer service, leadership, and continuous process improvement. I learned that no matter the industry, helping people learn, grow, and work together matters.
About 30 years ago, good friends and a church we loved brought us back to Waco. We love it here.
I worked at Baylor for 20 years doing training, strategic planning, and organizational development. After Baylor, I circled back to public education and worked for Transformation Waco helping start the afterschool program at J.H. Hines Elementary.
I retired in 2023 around the same time my husband retired after a career as a high school math teacher.
Across education, business, and community work, I have spent my career helping people solve problems, improve systems, and build stronger organizations.
Community Involvement
One of my great joys since moving to Waco has been getting involved in the community.
Over the years, I have served on the board of the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC) and on the Waco Transit Advisory Board. I helped facilitate Leadership Plenty and a Leader’s Circle for the Waco Foundation. I also served as chair of the Poverty Solutions Steering Committee for the City of Waco.
In 2008, I started Act Locally Waco, a website and e-newsletter designed to help people “Get informed! Get involved! Get a great community!” as the tagline says.
In 2016, a group of friends and I started Waco Walks. We host about six walks each year, and lately it is not unusual for 100 or more people to come walk with us. Our goal is simple: explore Waco on foot, build community, and encourage a more walkable city.
My newest project started in January 2025. Along with another group of friends, I helped launch McLennan County Talks. In 2025, we hosted more than 20 non-partisan community conversations about issues affecting our community, including public schools, healthcare, small business, animal welfare, and our local water supply — just to name a few.
I love serving this community. As someone who moved around a lot when I was younger, I treasure having a hometown.
I am excited about the opportunity to serve our community in a new way — as your representative in the Texas House.
