Steven M. Thompson
Lake Wales,FL
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented leader in both the public and private sectors, specializing in operations, contract management, procurement, performance management, and resource development. Proven track record of driving organizational success through effective leadership in , partnership development, and non-profit management. Skilled in fostering collaborative relationships and optimizing processes to achieve strategic goals. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Disaster Program Manager
American Red Cross
Orlando, FL
06.2025 - Current
- Responsible for the implementation of the disaster services program for 3 counties in central Florida (Seminole, Orange and Osceola.) Leading and managing a team of 234 volunteers responsible for the implementation of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery programs. Responsible for local preparation, response, and recovery management as well as management of partnerships within assigned territory. Supervises Disaster Program Specialist.
Coordinator, Diverse Community Investment Program
American Red Cross
Winter Haven, FL
07.2023 - 05.2025
- Project Coordinator that supports the region to ensure diverse communities have full access to Red Cross services and programs. Primary focus of engaging diverse communities in high priority communities. This program develops partnerships to support the regional workforce to achieve goals, while championing diverse community activities in preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Major Accomplishments:
- MOU with Mulberry Community Services Center to provide Disaster Action Team to cover Southwest Polk County.
- MOU with Hand of Hope America to provide translation and mental health services to Central Florida Region. Also to provide box truck with drivers upon request.
- Partnership with the Mexican Consulates in Florida to staff Consulate Mobile Outreach in the Region. Conducted tabling and preparedness presentation to hundreds in a year and a half.
Disaster Program Manager
American Red Cross
Winter Haven, FL
05.2014 - 07.2023
- Responsible for the implementation of the disaster services program for six counties in central Florida (Polk, Lake, Sumter, Citrus, Hernando and Pasco.) Leading and managing a team of 170 volunteers responsible for the implementation of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery programs. Responsible for the development of Disaster Leadership Volunteers in each of the program support functional areas of the disaster cycle in order to meet the needs of the territory, region, state and division. Operates as a part of the Disaster Management Cycle processes. Responsible for local preparation, response, and recovery management as well as management partnerships within assigned territory.
- Major Accomplishments:
- Lead territory reorganization, transferring two counties and accepting five more.
- Developed partnerships with 5 County School Boards to train County and School Board Staff in Evacuation Sheltering.
- Provided technical support to Lake County Emergency Management in development of their in house shelter training.
- Supported 2 Disaster Relief Operations as Housing Liaison. Responsible for development partnerships and linkages to housing programs for those displaced by disaster. Worked with County Housing Agencies and local non-profits engaged addressing homelessness.
- Twice served as Level 2 Job Director, and multiple operations in deputy positions
Director of Partnership Programs
Lake Wales Care Center, Inc.
Lake Wales, FL
02.2009 - 05.2014
- Director of Partnership programs for a 1.4 million dollar 501(c) faith based non-profit in Lake Wales, Florida. Responsible for supervision and program development of social services delivering basic needs to families and the elderly. Operated transitional housing properties for homeless families.
- Major Accomplishments:
- Responsible for bringing in $265,000 in grant funds.
- Responsible for developing program improvement for the Lake Wales Literacy Council, a separate non-profit charged with improving literacy in the community. Developed English as Second Language (ESOL) targeted migrant community. Incorporated classes on Citizenship and Health education to Migrant Communities.
- Provided leadership in the establishment of a free volunteer medical clinic in Lake Wales to serve the uninsured. Patients over 50% migrant workers. Worked with migrant agencies to deliver health education to Spanish speaking communities.
- Lead County Coalition of Free Clinics in Polk County. Encouraging collaboration of service delivery of charitable health care in the county.
Veteran, U.S. Army Officer (Captain)
U.S. Army
United States
05.1984 - 08.1992
- U.S. Army Officer honorably discharged in 1992.
Education
Certificate Basic Economic Development Course -
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL11-2003
Political Science
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL04-1984
AA - undefined
Polk Community College
Winter Haven, FL05-1982
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Process improvement
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership and direction
- Project coordination
- Program leadership
- Critical thinking
Timeline
Community Disaster Program Manager
American Red Cross
06.2025 - Current
Coordinator, Diverse Community Investment Program
American Red Cross
07.2023 - 05.2025
Disaster Program Manager
American Red Cross
05.2014 - 07.2023
Director of Partnership Programs
Lake Wales Care Center, Inc.
02.2009 - 05.2014
Veteran, U.S. Army Officer (Captain)
U.S. Army
05.1984 - 08.1992
Political Science
Florida Southern College
AA - undefined
Polk Community College
Certificate Basic Economic Development Course -
University of South Florida