Deborah Thompson
Chief of Staff
Deborah joined the Arizona Community Foundation team as Chief of Staff in September 2026. In her role, she serves as a strategic partner to the leadership team, helping to drive organizational priorities, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, support board and governance initiatives, enhance strategic communications, and ensure alignment and execution across our statewide work.
Deb brings more than three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, governance, and executive partnership in the nonprofit sector. Prior to ACF, Deborah served as a leadership consultant, executive coach, and educator through her own consulting practice, DEVRA Leadership, and Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. In these roles, she partnered with nonprofit leaders, boards, and executive teams to build organizational capacity, strengthen governance, and navigate complex strategic challenges. Prior to her consulting work, Deb spent fourteen years at Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, leading national initiatives, overseeing a 30+ person team, directing more than $20 million in philanthropic investments, and serving as an interim CEO during critical organizational transitions.
Deb is passionate about community service and has served as a board member and volunteer for many nonprofits, including the International Coaching Federation, Humanitarian Coaching Network, Catchafire, and New Pathways for Youth.
Deb earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. In addition, she has earned certificates in several key leadership areas, including The Psychology of Leadership, Nonprofit Executive Leadership, and Nonprofit Succession Planning. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach, a BoardSource Certified Governance Consultant, and certified in Gallup CliftonStrengths, The Five Behaviors, Everything DiSC, and other assessment-based coaching programs.