Boys Town North Florida is pleased to announce Michael Thompson as its new Development Director. Thompson officially joined the organization on June 1 and will lead fundraising, donor engagement and community partnership efforts to help advance Boys Town’s mission of changing the way America cares for children and families.
Thompson brings more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations grow their impact through strategic fundraising, major gifts, corporate partnerships, legislative advocacy and cross-sector collaboration. Throughout his career, he has helped influence more than $55 million in philanthropic and public funding through capital campaigns, corporate partnerships, legislative appropriations, major gifts and foundation grants.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to Boys Town North Florida,” said Daniela Mesquita, Boys Town Sr. Development Director. “His experience building meaningful partnerships, strengthening development strategies and supporting mission-focused organizations will be a tremendous asset as we continue serving children and families across North Florida.”
Prior to joining Boys Town, Thompson served as Founder and Chief Development Officer of Fortified Strategies, LLC, where he provided development leadership to national nonprofit organizations. His work included designing fundraising strategies, building corporate partnerships and creating development infrastructure to strengthen long-term sustainability.
He also served as Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, where he led strategic development initiatives, government relations and national program expansion during a period of organizational growth. In that role, he supported the execution of a $15 million capital campaign, managed a major donor portfolio of more than $2 million and helped secure recurring state appropriations across multiple fiscal years.
Thompson’s previous experience also includes serving as Director of Development and Public Policy at Volunteer USA Foundation/Volunteer Florida Foundation, where he directed development strategy, legislative advocacy and statewide partnerships supporting literacy and volunteer initiatives across Florida. Most recently, he has also served as Director of Celebrate Recovery at Killearn Global Methodist Church, leading a community recovery initiative serving individuals and families affected by addiction.
“I am honored to join Boys Town North Florida and support a mission that has such a meaningful impact on children, families and communities,” Thompson said. “I look forward to building strong relationships with donors, partners and community leaders to help expand support for the life-changing work happening across North Florida.”