Candidate for
Council Member; City of Oceanside

Ward M. O'Doherty was born and raised on Long Island, New York. He grew up in Levittown, the first planned community in the United States built for the veterans returning from World War II. Raised by a single mother, O'Doherty is the youngest of six children. After attending Catholic schools during his youth, he went on to Pfeiffer University in North Carolina where he received Bachelors of Fine Arts with a major in Theatrical Production & Business Administration.

At age 19 he was diagnosed with a Gleo Blastoma brain tumor which, at the time, had barely a 2% survival rate. he He subsequently underwent brain surgery as well as aggressive radiation and chemotherapy treatments. "I am here today as a result of faith, great doctors and an Irish Catholic mother and family who wouldn't let me die," said O'Doherty. He has been cancer free for over 23 years.

Upon completion of his education in he moved to California to pursue a career in the entertainment business. "I worked myself up from being a golf caddy to a director and producer for live event television." O'Doherty's career took him from New York to Los Angeles and to all points in between. He helped produce and direct such events as the opening ceremonies of the Atlanta Olympic Games, the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. Upon reflection he says, "I think I have worked on every award show there is at least two or three times I've lost count." In 1997 he opened the doors to his own production company and began creating original television content for sports networks.

In 2000 O'Doherty married his wife Marybeth, whereupon the two moved to Oceanside. It was the beginning of their enjoyment and love of their new home community and North County San Diego.

In 2001 O'Doherty traded in his megaphone and director's chair for securities and insurance licenses. He "wanted to something different." As an investment adviser formulating strategic options for small businesses and families preparing for their futures, O'Doherty draws on the innovative and creative talents that served him in the entertainment industry. He is currently the Director of Business Development for Signature Resources, a privately held investment firm that oversees $1.4 billion dollars in assets.

O'Doherty sits on several non-profit boards and is active in both his church and the community. He is a former Oceanside City Council candidate, a Board Member of KOCT and served on the Board of Governors of El Camino Country Club. He is often asked to speak in Oceanside and to various clubs around North County on his favorite subject: "The Healing Powers of Humor".