TACOMABy Terry McGuire
Charlie D. Thompson has been named executive director of the Tacoma/Pierce County Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He comes to Tacoma after serving nearly six years as executive director of the Society’s council in South Bend, Ind.
Identifying more ways to help those in need throughout Tacoma and Pierce County is one of Thompson’s initial goals for the local council, which consists of 16 parish conferences, three thrift stores, an online store and a recycling center.
“I’m assessing all the different types of services we provide,” he said, “and I think it’s very evident that we need to have some efforts to update our thrift store operation … upgrading some of our equipment so that we can be more efficient with being able to deliver services.”
Thompson, 38, who succeeds Tom Erskine as executive director, began work Aug. 8. “We are very excited to welcome him and look forward to working with him as we try to assist those in need throughout our community,” said Cheryl Lehman, president of the Tacoma/Pierce County Council Board of Directors.
A native of La Crosse, Wis., who grew up in Minnesota, Thompson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theater, and taught for several years at a Kansas community college. “I’ve acted and directed, and always enjoyed it,” he said, “but now I enjoy what I do even more.”
Thompson’s wife, Kim, is a native of Portland and was a parish music and liturgy coordinator in Indiana. The couple, who have a son, Gabriel, are looking for a parish in the Tacoma area.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue helping the members of this great organization with their ministry of service to the poor,” Thompson said.
Founded in France in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an association of lay men and women dedicated to providing personal service to the poor. The Tacoma Council was founded in 1926.
September 9, 2013