Comes to Pittsburgh after years in Wilmington, Del.
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Jennifer Thompkins has been named President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, effective Feb. 2.
She replaces Esther L. Bush, who, after a 27-year run as the Urban League’s president and CEO, retiring in 2021, returned to run the organization on an interim basis for the past seven months following the resignation of Carlos Carter.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are excited to welcome Jennifer Thompkins as our new President and CEO,” said Bryan Iams, ULGP Board Chair, in a statement. “Her proven visionary leadership, deep commitment to community empowerment, and proven ability to expand programs make her the ideal leader to guide the Greater Urban League of Pittsburgh into its next chapter. We look forward to the positive impacts she will bring to our organization and the communities we serve.
“The board would also like to give a special thanks to Ms. Esther Bush, who came out of retirement to serve as ULGP’s interim president and CEO during this important transition. Her strong leadership helped to ensure the organization could continue to drive its mission forward throughout Greater Pittsburgh and beyond. We so appreciate Esther’s unwavering commitment to the mission and look forward to her continued support as Jennifer transitions from Wilmington to Pittsburgh into this important community leadership role,” added Iams.
Jennifer Thompkins speaks prior to the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League gubernatorial debate Monday, May 20, 2024, at Canaan Baptist Church in New Castle, Delaware.
Thompkins most recently served as President and CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL). She brings more than eight years of dedicated experience within the Urban League Movement and a proven track record of impactful leadership and community engagement.
In a release by the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Thompkins significantly expanded the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League’s programs and impacts to address the growing needs of Wilmington and the broader Delaware community.
Previously, Thompkins held key leadership roles at TriZen, a business consulting and leadership development firm, where she served as director and later senior director from 2017 to 2022. Her diverse professional background also includes positions with the Philadelphia YMCA, the World YMCA, and Harvard University.
Thompkins holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Africana Studies from Ursinus College and a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University. Her academic foundation complements her extensive experience in community service and organizational leadership.
“This is a pivotal moment for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh,” said Thompkins, in a statement. “I’m excited to lead the organization and work with the board, team, and community to build on its strong history and momentum while shaping the next chapter of growth and impact.”
Thompkins’ civic and community involvement is extensive, including participation with the NAACP, the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.), and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She has also contributed her expertise as a board member for City Year Philadelphia (Associate Board), the Greater Philadelphia YMCA (Y Achievers Board) and the Recognizing Opportunities for Service and Education (R.O.S.E.) Foundation.
Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Rising Star Award from Ursinus College in 2020 and the Emerging Leader designation from the National Urban League in 2021. Additional accolades have been received from the NAACP, PCEJ C.O.G.I.C., and the state of Delaware. In addition, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh said, Thompkins’ work and insights have been featured in prominent publications and media outlets such as Neighbors Magazine, Delaware Business Times, Comcast Changemakers, Delaware Network Television, and National Urban League publications.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons with Jennifer Thompkins.