E. J. Thomas

& CEO of Habitat for Humanity - MidOhio beginning in 2004.2 Thomas specializes in acting as an Executive in Residence (EIR) for clients seeking to grow and expand their reach and influence, currently serving with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

In addition, EIR offerings include working with CEO's and C-Suite staff to better harmonize individual leadership styles within well-established organizational cultures.

This organization is responsible for advocacy efforts that have, in part, been responsible for some $700 million from all sources being focused on affordable housing solutions in central Ohio.6 Formerly, Thomas served as an elected member of the Habitat for Humanity International's (HFHI) U.S. Council, the body that advises HFHI staff and the International Board on the direction and priorities of U.S. programs and helps in empowering affiliates throughout the U.S.

In the latter role, he was directly responsible for legislative approval of five budgets totaling $44 billion.7  It is with this experience that he was at the forefront during the creation of HFHI's Government Relations & Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C. Col. Thomas is retired from the USAF and the Ohio Air National Guard (OANG) after 32 years in the military, during which time he was an instructor pilot, Vice Commander of the 121st Air Refueling Wing and subsequently served as OANG Headquarters Director of Operations for the state's 5,000+ member force.

The commission is the independent appeals forum for cases related to disputed unemployment claims.9 He has been active in the central Ohio community where he served three, four-year terms as trustee on the board of Capital University and chaired the Integrity & Compliance Committee.

He cofounded the CSO's successful “Picnic with the Pops” summer series.12  He was invited to give the spring 2014vcommencement address at Capital University's graduation ceremony and was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.