New York, NY – Today, Kimberly Thomas starts as the Drug Policy Alliance’s new Chief Operating Officer. Thomas will serve on the organization’s executive management team, and lead DPA’s business functions which include Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology. She will also be responsible for ensuring that DPA has the internal systems and infrastructure in place to support its staff and enable the organization to continue growing in alignment with its shared vision.
“I am extremely excited to join the Drug Policy Alliance and be a part of an organization that is working feverishly to end the drug war and elevate conversations around the role of race in shaping drug policy,” said Thomas. “Not only does DPA work to ensure that our nation’s drug policies no longer result in the arrest, incarceration, disenfranchisement or other harm of millions – particularly young people and people of color, who are disproportionately affected by the war on drugs– it also envisions a just society in which the use and regulation of drugs are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights.”
Thomas joins DPA with over 20 years of human resources, finance and business experience. Prior to DPA, she spent five years at the Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law in a variety of capacities, most recently as the Vice President of Administration, where she headed the Human Resources, CRM and Office Management Teams and oversaw yearly planning.
As DPA’s COO, Thomas will serve as Executive Director Kassandra Frederique’s key strategic thought partner in the day-to-day operations of the organization.
“I am confident that Kim will be a crucial steward of the organization’s values – fostering a culture of innovation, learning, accountability, and continuous improvement,” said Kassandra Frederique, Executive Director. “It’s a huge job but one I have no doubt Kim can do.”
A high-resolution headshot of Thomas is available here.
