Deborah Thompson

Deborah Thompson is a nonprofit professional with 30 years of experience leading and governing mission-based organizations.  She is passionate about advancing the nonprofit sector through principles of servant leadership, good governance and accountability; and developing the next generation of nonprofit leaders who will champion missions that are vital to our community.

Across her career, Deborah has served in leadership, fundraising and community development roles across a variety of missions – including the arts, education, social services, behavioral health, and professional associations. In 2005 she joined Make-A-Wish America where she served as a national Vice President responsible for chapter operations and mission delivery across the U.S. In this role she facilitated executive leadership and governance effectiveness training programs for chapters, contributing to extraordinary organizational growth during her 14-year tenure. Deborah subsequently joined New Pathways for Youth as its first Chief Operating Officer where she helped develop the organization’s expansion strategy and became a volunteer mentor. In 2019 Deborah launched her consulting career, offering strategic planning, board training, and executive coaching for nonprofit organizations.

Deborah holds a Master’s in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix and a B.A in American Studies from Trinity College (CT). She received a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from ASU’s Lodestar Center, with additional professional training and certifications in Strategic Governance, Interim Executive Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Positive Psychology, ADHD Coaching, DiSC, Five Behaviors of a Team, and Gallup Strengths. She received her Certificate in Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource in 2020 and facilitates board trainings across the U.S.