An Evening of Escape : Life of Resilience

André Thornton acquired ASW Global, LLC, a supply chain management company, in January 2007. As Chief Executive Officer, he sets the company’s strategic direction and oversees operations to ensure alignment with organizational goals and policies. Thornton has more than 30 years of entrepreneurial and executive leadership experience. As a principal in Apple Partners, he helped lead a successful restaurant management group that was later sold to Applebee’s International. He also founded a consulting company and has spoken nationally to more than 1,000 organizations on executive leadership, organizational change, entrepreneurship, and diversity. Before entering the business world, Thornton played professional baseball for 21 years, including 11 seasons with the Cleveland Indians. He was a two-time All-Star, received the Silver Slugger Award in 1984, and was named one of the 100 greatest players in Cleveland Indians history. In 1979, he received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing excellence in sportsmanship, community involvement, and team contribution. He was also inducted into the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. Thornton graduated magna cum laude from Capital University with a bachelor’s degree. He is the co-author of “Triumph Born of Tragedy” and was twice featured in McGraw-Hill/Irwin educational videos highlighting his entrepreneurial and marketing leadership while serving as President and CEO of GPI Procurement Services. His community and professional service includes leadership roles with the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Greater Akron Chamber, Parkside Church Elder Board, AMG Industries, and Kent State University’s President’s Ambassador program. He is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 1997 and currently serves as an Independent Director of Farmers National Banc Corp. André and his wife, Gail, have been married for 47 years and are active members of Providence Church. They have three sons: André Jr., Jonathan, and Dean.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2026

Venue:
Riverbend Hotel & Suites,
533 Goodwill Dr,
Ashtabula, OH 44004

Time:
6:30 PM hors d’oeuvres
7:00–9:00 PM dinner & program

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Accessibility & Accommodations
We are committed to making this event welcoming and accessible for all guests. If you have specific accessibility needs (such as mobility assistance, ASL interpretation, or dietary accommodations), please contact us in advance at info@hubbardhouseugrrmuseum.org so we can best support your experience.