Tony (Brown) Toran

 

Growing up in New Albany shaped the foundation for who I am today. From my early days at Lillian Emery and Griffin Street Elementary to Hazelwood Junior High and New Albany High School, I was surrounded by teachers, coaches, and community members who believed in me and pushed me to reach my potential. Those experiences taught me the importance of hard work, education, and giving back, lessons that continue to guide me every day.

After graduating from NAHS in 1987, I attended IU Southeast and Simons Bible College. My passion for serving others led me to a life of both faith and community involvement. For the past 28 years, I have served as Pastor of Galatian Missionary Baptist Church, and since 2010, I have also worked as the Deputy Executive Director of the New Albany Housing Authority. I am honored to serve as President of the Indiana Missionary Baptist State Convention and as a Floyd County Council member representing the 1st District. Each of these roles allows me to give back to the community that helped raise me and to help create opportunities for others to thrive.

The mentors and leaders I encountered during my time in the NAFC school system had a lasting influence on my life. They not only taught academics but also modeled character, resilience, and leadership. I learned the value of teamwork, service, and treating people with dignity and respect. Those lessons continue to shape my approach to leadership today.

Supporting the NAFC Education Foundation is deeply meaningful to me because I have seen how education can change lives. The Foundation provides resources that help teachers inspire their students and give them the tools they need to succeed. I also appreciate the way it supports programs like Blessings in a Backpack, which ensures that students have the food they need outside of school so they can come to class ready to learn. Being part of the Royal Court gives me an opportunity to give back to the schools and the community that have poured so much into me.

–Tony (Brown) Toran, New Albany High School ’87

Tony (Brown) Toran