Accomplished philanthropic leader joins organization with track record of success promoting the mission of nonprofit through fundraising strategies
Irvine, CA, December 12, 2019 – Orange County United Way announced today that major gift officer and philanthropic leader Tami Thompson has been hired as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships. She will be responsible for promoting and furthering Orange County United Way’s mission and community-based work through fundraising strategies.
Thompson has deep roots with Orange County United Way, having served as Campaign Account Manager within the General Services Division from 2005 to 2006. She designed and implemented strategies for both corporate and individual employee fund development and workplace giving for a variety of retailers, and she surpassed the General Services fundraising goals reaching $1.5 million in contributions.
“Tami has a proven track record of exceptional leadership during her highly successful careers in both the nonprofit and private institutions,” said Susan B. Parks, president and CEO of Orange County United Way. “She also has a personal commitment to serving others that is truly inspirational. Her dynamic combination of talent, expertise and strategic partnerships gives us great confidence that she will further enhance Orange County United Way’s results-oriented mission.”
Thompson joins Orange County United Way after serving six years as Director of External Relations at Chapman University, where she consistently exceeded scholarship fundraising goals. She built the Industry Partners program to strengthen university-wide corporate relationships. Additionally, she spearheaded the institutions signature fundraising events, and was instrumental in planning a special event that brought former President George W. Bush to the campus for a fireside chat with Julia Argyros, which culminated in a surprise $10 million dollar gift to the university, collectively raising more than $15 million for the Argyros School of Business and Economics.
Previously, she managed and directed fundraising goals as Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Club of America – Pacific Region, Greater Los Angeles. Through her time as Director of Development for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, she co-designed and implemented the annual Pink Tie Ball Gala event. Thompson executed all aspects of the Orange County Race for the Cure, Komen’s signature fundraising event, and raised a total of $14.5 million during her five-year tenure.
“As a proud and long-time resident of Orange County, I have been privileged to witness the sustaining impact that Orange County United Way makes in bringing all sectors together and creating long-term change,” Thompson said. “I look forward to contributing to this essential organization’s efforts in solving community problems by investing in education, financial stability, health and housing.”
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Today’s Orange County United Way is doing more for the Education, Health, Housing and Financial Stability of every person in Orange County. More than a fundraiser, we’re hands-on, delivering more than 50 Community Impact programs countywide. We focus on long-term solutions to the most critical interconnected challenges facing local children and families. United Way is doing more to make long-term measurable difference in the lives of children and families right here in Orange County. To learn more or do more with us, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, anoebel@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 449-2527
