In the News

Diversity Chief to Retire

Thompson leads council in its efforts to 'create an inclusive community'

By Danielle MacMurchy

June 17, 2005

After serving the Diversity Council as Executive Director for 10 years, George Thompson announced Wednesday that he will retire in December.

"It's been a wonderful experience," he said. Thompson's involvement included the developing of the Prejudice Reduction Workshops, leading the "Not in Our Town" campaign, and increasing the overall support of the Diversity Council. Through Thompson's dedication, the Diversity Council gained state and national recognition.

Thompson said he decided to retire after recently earning his master's degree and working 50 hours a week, all while trying to balance time with his family. "I looked at my life in terms of what's important to me, and it didn't look balanced. I want to take some time for family," he said.

Before he was the executive director, Thompson was a volunteer at the Diversity Council. "I was trying to volunteer and help out initially," he said. "And because the work is very meaningful, I asked some questions and learned that the director was leaving."

When Thompson took the position, he knew the Diversity Council was not where he wanted it. "Now we've got a fantastic staff and board. We have tremendous support and a fantastic program," he said.

Jon Eckhoff, co-chairman of the Diversity Council [development campaign], has witnessed the organization's growth in the past decade.

"When I think of George Thompson, I think of someone who has a vision. He's helped us build that vision," Eckhoff said. "He's been a very focused leader."

The Diversity Council's mission is to "create an inclusive and welcoming community through education." Or, as Thompson says, "we're trying to work ourselves out of a job." The Diversity Council has created a curriculum, Prejudice Reduction Workshops, for the public and private school districts. The curriculum is tailored for each grade level and focuses on diversity issues such as race, gender and institutional power.

After retiring in December, Thompson plans to spend more time with his grandchildren but said he will stay involved with the Diversity Council.

"I'll be on the sidelines," he said. "I'm not totally out of the game."

Thompson and board members are optimistic about the organization's future after he steps down. "I think George has created an organization that will continue to go without him," Eckhoff said. "He's created a strong foundation for us to work from."

Until then, Thompson will spend his last six months building on the Diversity Council's ongoing work in the community.

He said, "I plan to step it up, and my intention is to leave on a fantastic note."

© 2005 Post Bulletin. Used by permission.

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