Andy Saunders, Vice President of Early Talent at Teach for America and co-founder of New Blue, an innovative program for police-community collaboration, has been named a recipient of the East Carolina State University 40 Under 40 Award, honoring alumni under 40 who have made significant professional, community, and leadership contributions.

GREENVILLE, N.C., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Andy Saunders, Vice President of Early Talent at Teach for America and co-founder of New Blue, an innovative program for police-community collaboration, has been named a recipient of the East Carolina State University 40 Under 40 Award, honoring alumni under 40 who have made significant professional, community, and leadership contributions.

Saunders' work bridges education and public safety, applying the leadership and community-building skills honed in Teach for America to reimagine modern policing. New Blue has built a national network of law enforcement professionals focused on strengthening trust with communities, improving policies and practices, and promoting new approaches to public safety.

"Andy's commitment to service and innovation, from the classroom to the front lines of law enforcement, is exactly what this award celebrates," said Amanda Murer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations at ECU. "His work demonstrates how leadership and collaboration can drive meaningful change."

New Blue empowers police leaders of all ranks and community stakeholders to collaborate directly on evidence-based solutions that address real-world challenges in policing. Through the New Blue-UVA Batten Foundation Fellowship, officers work with their community partners to co-design policies and practices that improve agency culture, enhance community well-being, and ensure that solutions are grounded in both lived experience and operational realities. The Fellowship culminates in a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy Foundation. Upon graduating the program, Fellows implement their solutions within their agencies, ultimately building community trust.

"I'm honored to be recognized by ECU," said Saunders. "Teach for America taught me the power of listening and collaboration, lessons that guide everything we do at New Blue. This award reflects the work of the incredible police leaders and communities we partner with every day."

For more information about New Blue and itsFellowship program, visit NewBlue.org.

Media Contact

Kristin Daley, New Blue, 1 7814432027, kristin@newblue.org, https://newblue.org

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SOURCE New Blue