PR Newswire

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is pleased to announce that John Ellis Bush, Jr. (Jeb Bush, Jr.) will join its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2016. Bush is the grandson of founder Barbara Bush, and the son of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and his wife, Columba.

Since its establishment in 1989, the Foundation has worked closely with members of the Bush family to advance Barbara Bush’s mission of making literacy a core value in every home in America. Over the years, all five of Mrs. Bush’s children and many of her grandchildren have participated in the Foundation’s signature Celebration of Reading events and other initiatives.

In 2012, the Barbara Bush Foundation became a public charity, and today Doro Bush Koch, daughter of President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, serves as Honorary Chair. The addition of Jeb Bush, Jr. to the nonprofit’s Board of Directors marks the third generation of Bush family members to provide leadership and guidance for the Foundation.

“I love watching Jeb read to his children. It brings a smile to my heart,” said Barbara Bush. “I am honored that Jeb, as a young father, is coming onboard as the third generation to support literacy.”

Jeb Bush, Jr. resides in Miami, Florida with his wife, Sandra, and their two daughters. He currently serves as Managing Partner at Jeb Bush & Associates, a consulting and private equity firm that specializes in business development and strategic advisory work. He is also the President of Bush Ventures, LLC. Bush holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s in International Real Estate Finance from Florida International University.

His community outreach and philanthropic activities include serving as a board member for the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools, and for the National Immigration Forum. In late 2015 and early 2016, he traveled nationwide in support of his father’s presidential campaign.

“After a year on the campaign trail, I even more fervently believe in the Foundation’s efforts to champion education as a civil right no matter one’s age,” said Jeb Bush, Jr. “There is no doubt in my mind that wage inequality in America is driven by education inequality – and we can, and must, do more.”

“Jeb’s expressed interest in assisting us with our nascent policy efforts in literacy are appreciated,” said Liza McFadden, President and CEO of the Barbara Bush Foundation. “We believe the value of literacy should be top of mind with community leaders from mayors to local senators, and his network of young leaders is a group we hope will join our cause.”

Over the past 27 years, the Barbara Bush Foundation has funded two-generational family literacy efforts in all 50 states, and currently supports more than 200 programs. With more than 36 million Americans unable to read or write at a basic level, the Foundation remains committed to raising awareness of the country’s low literacy crisis, and expanding programs and services to families in need across the nation.

Jeb Bush, Jr. makes family literacy a priority in his own home, reading to his children regularly. A photo of him sharing a book with his daughters is featured in the Foundation’s recently released brochure, “Barbara Bush’s Family Reading Tips.”