Thomson joins Community Foundation

By Phil Cobb | January 28, 2015 |

Mike Thomson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri has announced that former 1st District state Rep. Mike Thomson has joined the organization’s staff as a fund development director.

Accepting a similar position was Steve Maxey, former director of marketing and development for North Central Missouri College in Trenton.

One of a growing number of such public charities nationwide, the foundation seeks to increase charitable giving and legacies on behalf of not-for-profit organizations based in 18 northwest Missouri counties.

“We are pleased to have Steve Maxey and Mike Thomson serving Northwest Missouri through their work at the Community Foundation,” said Mary Hinde the organization’s president and CEO. “We believe a regional approach and collaboration will increase the power of charitable giving to transform our region into an economically vibrant one.

“The presence of a Community Foundation gives donors who care deeply and personally about their communities the opportunity to leave a legacy which will last forever, and will ensure that more of the money earned in our region can remain in our region.”

Thomson, who left the Missouri House of Representatives in January after serving the maximum of four two-year terms, is also noted for his long career in public education, which began at Jefferson C-123 High School in Conception Junction, where he was a teacher, counselor, coach and administrator.

He moved to Maryville High School in 1980, serving as a guidance counselor and coach for 18 years.

Later, he joined Northwest Missouri State University, serving first as an instructor in the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Counseling and then as an admissions recruiter before leaving to seek the House seat vacated by Brad Lager, who went on to become state senator for the 12th District.

Thomson is a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, Missouri Retired Teachers Association, the Missouri School Counselors Association and the Maryville Optimist Club.

His professional distinctions include the Missouri Secondary Counselor of the Year award, Who’s Who Among American Teachers and Maryville High School Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

As a lawmaker, Thomson received the Friend of Agriculture Award, Friend of Education Award and Outstanding Legislator Award from the Missouri State Teachers Association.