Gilbert W. Thurston, MA

Gilbert W. Thurston, MA is retired after 30 years as an elementary school principal in the Bellingham School District.

Mr. Thurston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Western Washington University.

He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Qualis Health since 1995, as a representative of Medicare beneficiaries. He is also a member of the Qualis Health Medicare Consumer Advisory Council. His current community activities, in addition to Qualis Health, include membership on the Steering Committee of Whatcom Alliance for Health Care.

In addition, Mr. Thurston has served as President of the Washington School Principals’ Association, President of the Washington State School Retirees Association, Chair of the Washington State Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council, Chair of the Whatcom County Red Cross and Chair of the Whatcom Mental Health Foundation.

He is also Chair of the Qualnet steering committee. Qualnet is the national association of QIO consumer and beneficiary board members.