About michael
Professional Background
Professional Background
Professional Background
Michael Thomas is a nationally recognized leader, speaker, and advisor with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations strengthen strategy, leadership, and impact, particularly within the nonprofit, disability, and social impact sectors. He is the Founder and CEO of ConnectIDD, an agency that partners with organizations, found
Michael Thomas is a nationally recognized leader, speaker, and advisor with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations strengthen strategy, leadership, and impact, particularly within the nonprofit, disability, and social impact sectors. He is the Founder and CEO of ConnectIDD, an agency that partners with organizations, foundations, businesses, and municipalities across the U.S. to improve systems supporting children and adults with disabilities.
In 2024 and 2025, ConnectIDD supported nearly 30 organizations, impacting more than 10,000 individuals through work focused on strategy, development planning, people strategy, and program design.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Southern Methodist University and a Master’s in Business from the University of Texas at Dallas.
My Possibilities
Professional Background
Professional Background
Prior to launching ConnectIDD, Michael served as Executive Director of My Possibilities from 2010 to 2023, where he led a successful $30 million capital campaign to develop a college-style campus serving more than 700 adults with disabilities each week. His career in the nonprofit sector began in 2006 and includes leadership roles with th
Prior to launching ConnectIDD, Michael served as Executive Director of My Possibilities from 2010 to 2023, where he led a successful $30 million capital campaign to develop a college-style campus serving more than 700 adults with disabilities each week. His career in the nonprofit sector began in 2006 and includes leadership roles with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Opportunity Village.
Michael has served on local and state advisory boards as well as serving as board members for:
- Collin College Foundation
- Baylor Scott & White Hospital Plano
- Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Board
- Advisor to SeekHealing Board of Directors
- United Way Social Innovation Accelerator Advisory Board
- Leadership Plano
- Texas IDD Senate Redesign Committee
- Plano Planning & Zoning Commission
- Plano Community Relations Commission
Personal
Professional Background
Personal
He is married to Julie Thomas, a social health professional and partner at ConnectIDD, whose work and perspective continually influence how Michael thinks about community, well-being, and systems that truly support people. Together, they are raising twin boys, Jackson and Maxwell, a role that keeps him curious, grounded, and deeply attune
He is married to Julie Thomas, a social health professional and partner at ConnectIDD, whose work and perspective continually influence how Michael thinks about community, well-being, and systems that truly support people. Together, they are raising twin boys, Jackson and Maxwell, a role that keeps him curious, grounded, and deeply attuned to the long view of leadership and impact.
Outside of work, Michael finds balance and inspiration through creative and hands-on pursuits. He enjoys playing the piano, following soccer, rebuilding cars, and getting lost in great fantasy and science fiction novels. As a family, they love spending time outdoors—especially hiking together, exploring waterfalls, and chasing mountain peaks, experiences that reinforce his appreciation for patience, resilience, and perspective.
Awards and acknowledgements
Michael’s work and leadership have been recognized across business, nonprofit, and civic sectors.
- Named two consecutive years to the D 500 list recognizing North Texas’ most influential leaders across sectors. (2023 - 2024)
- Honored by the Dallas Business Journal in 2022 for professional achievement, leadership, and civic contribution.
- Recognized by the Dallas Business Journal in 2023 for leadership and impact advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across organizations and communities.
- Recognized by the Plano Chamber of Commerce in 2018 for emerging leadership and impact within the Plano business and nonprofit community.
- Awarded by D Magazine to My Possibilities under Michael’s leadership for organizational excellence and community impact.
- Awarded by the Dallas Business Journal in 2016 for transformational work connected to community development and the built environment.