Mike Thompson, six-plus year executive director of the LGBTQ Community Center of the desert, will be stepping down at the beginning of April. The Center Board Co-Chair Ted Briggs announced the move in a letter to Ocotillo Club members on Friday evening, Dec. 4.
Briggs reflected on Thompson’s time at The Center: “It’s very hard to over-state the impact and accomplishment of Mike’s six and a half years at the helm of our Center. Whether it be the capital campaign and completion of the buildout of the McDonald/Wright building as the new home for The Center; the amazing staff he has recruited and worked to develop; the stabilization and growth of our donor base and community sponsor support; the near completion of our renovations and expansion of the Behavioral Health Center into the second floor of our building; the establishment of two premier community events in Center Stage and the Red Dress/Dress Red or, the recent announcement of the incredible geographical growth in the East Coachella Valley with the opening of The Center Coachella.”
Board Co-Chair Mary Sue Allen has been appointed as the interim CEO. Effective January 1st, Mary Sue will step down from her role on the Board and work with Mike to focus on the transition.
The Board of Directors also authorized the hiring of a search firm to conduct a nationwide search for a new Executive Director/CEO. This search will ensure that we find an effective leader that understands our Mission and Vision and fits well within our Community throughout the Coachella Valley.
Thompson stated: “If there’s anything my partner Ron and I have learned in this pandemic, it is the value we place on family and our interest to be closer. You’ve often heard me speak of my soon-to-be 85-yr old Mom. She’s the one who taught me the importance of embracing our community, to give to it by wrapping our arms around it. That’s been my goal during my time in Palm Springs. Ron and I are now choosing to leave this wonderful community and our respective jobs to move to Tulsa — to put our arms around my Mom and our families. Serving as CEO of The Center over these past six and a half years, has been the joy of my professional life. Working alongside dedicated Staff, Board Members, Volunteers, Donors, and Community Members, we have created something extraordinarily special and I’ll be forever grateful for this experience.”
Thompson will be stepping down as CEO of the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert effective February 3rd of 2021. Mike and his partner Ron Brady, as they are moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be near both of their families.
