About Nonprofit Leadership Expert Michael Thomas

---

Michael Thomas is a nationally recognized leader, speaker, and advisor with nearly two decades of experience in enhancing strategy development, leadership, and impact, particularly within the nonprofit, disability services, and social impact sectors. As the Founder and CEO of ConnectIDD, he collaborates with organizations, foundations, businesses, and municipalities across the U.S. to improve systems that support children and adults with disabilities. In 2024 and 2025, ConnectIDD assisted nearly 30 organizations, positively impacting more than 10,000 individuals through focused efforts 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.

Before launching ConnectIDD, Michael served as Executive Director of My Possibilities from 2010 to 2023, where he successfully led a $30 million capital campaign focused on developing a college-style campus that provides essential disability services to over 700 adults with disabilities each week. His career in the nonprofit sector, which began in 2006, includes significant leadership roles with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Opportunity Village, emphasizing social impact through strategy development. Additionally, Michael has contributed to local and state advisory boards and has served as a board member 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, and Plano Community Relations Commission.

He is married to Julie Thomas, a social health professional and partner at ConnectIDD, whose work in disability services and unique 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 social 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, all of which inform his strategy development in both personal and professional realms.