Ellis Thompson

About Ellis Thompson

I’m a strategic planner and communicator, systems thinker, and cross-functional leader with 15+ years of experience driving programs that make communities stronger, safer, and more connected.My work sits at the intersection of program management, communications, and human-centered strategy — bridging government, nonprofit, and private sectors to turn complex ideas into clear, measurable impact.I’m known for bringing clarity to chaos and connection to complexity. Whether managing large-scale initiatives or crafting a single message that moves people to act, I build trust, structure, and purpose into everything I lead.Some highlights:• Secured more than $700K in funding for public engagement and education initiatives that improved equity and access.• Developed and led grassroots partnerships across 20+ agencies, aligning stakeholders around shared goals and measurable outcomes.• Designed and managed accessible, SEO-optimized websites and digital content systems that improved visibility, usability, and engagement.• Facilitated organization-wide strategic planning and evaluation processes that aligned teams, clarified priorities, and turned big ideas into actionable plans.I’m a blend of communicator, educator, and strategist — equally at home facilitating cross-functional planning sessions, designing data-informed digital systems, or translating policy into plain language.Now, I’m seeking a values-aligned, remote-first organization where strategic communication, inclusive leadership, and measurable impact aren’t just goals — they’re the way we work.

Experience

1. Curriculum Developer & Consultant

   U.S. Fire Administration

   Jan 2020 — Present · Emmitsburg, MD, US

   Develop and facilitate national training and communications programs focused on leadership, stakeholderengagement, equitable service delivery, and public trust.• Partner with diverse stakeholders to ensure curriculum reflects equity, inclusion, and culturalcompetence in leadership and service.• Translate technical data and policy information into accessible, plain-language materials for nationalaudiences.• Collaborate with federal and local partners to promote inclusive communications and continuouslearning within the public safety community.• Evaluate program effectiveness and collect participant feedback to inform curriculum development andcontinuous improvement.

Education

• Louisiana State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

  2006 — 2010

• Louisiana State University

  Master's degree

• Louisiana State University

  Master of Science (MS), Natural Sciences

  2010 — 2013