Mike Thompson

Mike Thompson is a visionary and transformational leader who believes lasting impact begins with people, relationships, and a shared sense of purpose. Since becoming CEO of The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert in 2014, Mike has helped shape The Center into a vibrant, growing organization focused on creating meaningful connections and helping LGBTQ+ people along their way.

Before joining The Center, Mike led national and statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, serving in CEO, President, Executive Director, and COO roles. Across his career, he has developed a reputation as a strategic thinker who can see possibility, bring people together around a clear vision, and translate big ideas into meaningful, measurable action. Central to his leadership is a commitment to creating cultures where people feel valued, individual and team contributions are celebrated, and belonging is something we actively create together.

Mike is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, holds a coaching certification from the Hendricks Institute, and completed nonprofit consultant training with BoardSource. He and his husband, Ron, live in Palm Springs with their beloved menagerie.