Dr. Paul M .Thomson, Ph.D., President & CEO
thomson@thcf.org
Dr. Thomson became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation in July of 1999. Prior to joining THCF, Thomson served the Metropolitan Community Colleges for nearly 30 years. Beginning as a biology instructor, he also served as Associate Dean of Instruction for Longview and the Blue Springs Campus, Dean of College Operations and Assistant to the Chancellor. He is the founding President of Blue River Community College one of the Metropolitan Community Colleges.
Dr. Thomson earned a Ph.D. and an M.A. in botany from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a B.S. in biology from Missouri Valley College. He has authored a book and several scholarly articles and has a long history of involvement in many civic organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Rotary International, the United Way, Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City, Powell Gardens, Independence Chamber of Commerce, Health Midwest and Independence Regional Health Center and Blue Ridge Bank and Trust. He is a veteran of service with the United States Army.
Elizabeth McClure, Director of Programs & Donor Services
mcclure@thcf.org
Liz McClure joined the Truman Heartland Community Foundation in the fall of 1994 and currently serves as the Director of Programs & Donor Services. Prior to joining THCF, Liz served as Administrative Assistants for City Mayor Barbara Potts of Independence, MO; Richard A. King of Wirken & King, PC; and real estate attorneys from Mark W. Untersee & Associates, PC.
Liz earned a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She also shares a history of involvement in civic organizations such as the Andrew Drumm Institute, Family Literacy Center, Junior Service League of Independence, Youth Friends, Volunteer Coordinators’ Council, Community Association for the Arts and Messiah Lutheran Church.
Nicole Stevens, Director of Marketing & Communications
stevens@thcf.org
Nicole Stevens joined the staff of Truman Heartland Community Foundation in the spring of 2003. She currently serves as the Director of Marketing & Communications. Nicole earned a B.A. in Business Administration and Spanish and American Humanics certification from William Jewell College. Bilingual in Spanish, Nicole studied at the University of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico and is currently pursuing her MBA from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
Nicole shares a passion for civic engagement having served as Treasurer for the American Humanics National Alumni Association, and Leadership Facilitator for the Independence Chamber of Commerce YOUTH LEAD. Nicole has also served on boards for the Jackson County Historical Society, Junior Service League of Independence and William Jewell College Board of Commission and is an active member of First Baptist Church of Blue Springs.
Nancy Wilhelm, Office Manager
nwilhelm@thcf.org
Nancy joined the Truman Heartland Community Foundation in September of 1995 as Office Manager. Prior to working at THCF, Nancy served as Secretary for Montgomery Ward & Company for more than 30 years and Secretary for the Metro North Montgomery Ward store. Thereafter, Nancy worked for the Independence School District’s Head Start Program followed by employment for attorney K. Martin Kuny of Humphrey, Farrington and McClain, PC.
Nancy has been a resident of Independence for more than 60 years and shares a history of involvement at New Salem Baptist Church where she volunteers as organist and leads worship. She also sings with a local worship group, The Willing Vessels. Nancy has two adult children and three grandchildren.