As part of an extensive succession-planning process, the board of directors of Northside Development Group has elected Mary L. Thomas to succeed Bill Barnet as chairman of the board. Barnet has chaired the board since the organization’s founding in 2011 and will remain on the board to serve as immediate past chairman. “My role as a team mate with so many great citizens has been both educational and rewarding. The journey to advance the lives and opportunities of the citizens of this important neighborhood will continue. I look forward to working with Mary Thomas, the board and the Voyagers to attract new investors and find new ways to build an exciting and constructive future for everyone who chooses to live there,” reflected Barnet on his time of service as chair of the board.
Mary Thomas has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as the chief operating officer of The Spartanburg County Foundation and as the executive director of the Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy, where she translates the Foundation’s goals into the overall program of work. She also leads the day to day operations of the Center for Philanthropy. Prior to joining the Foundation in 1998, Thomas was the executive director of The Bethlehem Center, a ministry that serves families in the Highland community of Spartanburg, SC. Thomas has held extensive leadership roles in the greater Spartanburg Community and beyond, including as past chairman of Apella Health in 2021. She has served on Northside Development Group’s board since its founding and most recently served as vice chair of the organization. “I am elated to serve at the bequest of the board in this leadership role. Bill has done a remarkable job leading our team for a decade. His commitment to the Northside is unparalleled in terms of focus, drawing attention to the need for resources for this incredible community and leading a team to re-imagine the Northside with what we see today. It is up to us to continue the incredible work that he has championed, and I am excited about being a part of the team,” Thomas said following her election.
The chairman of the board of directors of the Northside Development Group is a two-year term. Other officers elected include John Verreault, vice chairman, Wanda Cheeks, secretary and Laura Henthorn, treasurer. Michael Williamson, who has served as chief executive officer since March 2020, will continue in that role.