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Mike Thompson is back at the LGBTQ of the Desert

Great news, everyone! We wanted to share that Mike Thompson is back as the CEO of the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. He was the CEO from 2014 to 2021 and did a fantastic job. He’s wellknown in the Coachella Valley, and we’re excited to have him back.

During his time at The Center, Mike was pivotal in achieving the organization’s most prosperous and productive phase and overseeing the transition from The Sun Center to our present location. This resulted in increased services for the eastern Coachella Valley and successful navigation through the pandemic. Mike is a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. He has also served on the national boards of GLAAD and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Before his current role,

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Mike was the Chief Impact Officer for CenterLink, a global network of LGBTQ centers.

During his last six years of leadership, Mike has crafted a diverse and well-trained staff that he now returns to lead. He is a strategic thinker who understands how to transform policy into actionable, quantitative campaigns. He is an expert at mentoring and coaching people, resulting in seven who worked for him becoming executive directors. He is also an expert in nonprofit organizational development and fundraising.

The Center is ecstatic to have

Mike on board, as he possesses the necessary skills and drive to lead us into a new era. His leadership style involves recognizing and nurturing each employee’s strengths, enabling them to reach their full potential. Mike firmly believes that success can be achieved by harnessing one’s inner tenacity, ability to connect with others, and passion. His return to The Center and Coachella Valley has brought boundless joy to everyone involved. Mike is a highly valued community member, and we eagerly anticipate embarking on this exciting journey with him.

Palm Springs is considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly places in the world. But, despite its fame as a destination where LGBT people travel, vacation, and retire, some of the city’s most vulnerable residents do not have access to the programs and services that The Center offers.

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert 1301 N Palm Canyon Dr #301, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-416-7790

Website: https://thecentercv.org