Multiple sources confirm Torey Alston will file paperwork seeking election to the Broward School Board District 5. Last month, Mr. Alston, an aide to Broward County Commisioner Barbara Sharief, sought an appointment to the School Board.

The District 5 seat is currently held by Benjamin Williams. Mr. Williams is expected to retire.

Alston joins previously announced candidates Roy Montgomery, Christopher Hughley and Broward Democrat Vice Chair Ruth Roman Lynch.

The Alston campaign released the following statement:

“After months of input from family, friends, and school officials, former Student Member on the School Board runs for District 5.

FORT LAUDERDALE— Torey Alston, a member of the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees and former Student Member on the Broward School Board, has filed to run for the Broward School Board (district 5). Alston filed his paperwork and will open a bank account immediately to begin soliciting supporters.

“Torey would be an excellent School Board Member, as a product of our community willing to serve the district that has shaped his career,” said Lauderhill Commissioner Hayward Benson, who has already endorsed Alston. “He has deep roots in Broward County and would be a strong advocate providing fresh new ideas for our community.”

Mr. Alston has spent the last several months seeking guidance and input from his family, friends and constituents. “After consulting family, friends, and supporters, the outpouring of support for new leadership has been overwhelming,” said Alston, who attended Blanche Ely High School, Parkway Middle and Walker Elementary. “I am from this community, I understand the issues in our community and I will fight for our kids on the Broward School Board.”

Mr. Alston has already picked up the support of several elected officials and community leaders. His supporters include County Commissioner Barbara Sharief, County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, Pompano Beach Commissioner Woody Poitier, Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Barrington Russell, Lauderdale Lakes Vice-Mayor Levoyd Williams, Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner Dr. Edwina Coleman, Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner Eric Haynes, Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner Benjamin Williams, Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner Gloria Lewis, and Art Kennedy, Chief of Staff to Congressman Alcee Hastings.

Mr. Alston has made an impact in the State of Florida in such a short time. At the age of 25, Mr. Alston was appointed to the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Trustee-Student Affairs Committee. Currently, Alston serves as Chief of Staff to Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief. From 2007-2010, Alston served as executive director for Florida’s Office of Supplier Diversity and served as interim executive director for the state’s Council on Efficient Government. Under Alston’s leadership in fiscal year 2006-2007, the State of Florida spent more than $3 billion with minority, black and women-owned businesses. As an administrator in Tallahassee, Alston raised nearly $1 million for the state’s MatchMaker Conference linking business owners statewide and successfully attracting major corporate sponsors including AT&T and Walt Disney World. Mr. Alston received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a master’s in business administration with a concentration in marketing and management. Mr. Alston is a subscribing Life Member of the NAACP, FAMU National Alumni Association Life Member, Southern Province Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., corporate board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County and a member of New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale.”