BDT’s New CTO: Meet Leona Thomas

We are thrilled to announce that Leona Thomas has joined our team as BDT’s new Chief Technology Officer. Leona is a technology executive with over 25 years of experience integrating business strategy, operations, and technology to enable for- and nonprofits to achieve their goals. We sat down with Leona – remotely – to learn a bit more about her.

What drew you to BDT?

“I actually wasn’t looking for a new opportunity when I heard about this position, but the more that I learned, the more that I realized that this was it – this was the job for me. Bringing everything I’ve learned in corporate America and translating it for the purpose of social good is one way that I can help to make the world a better place for everyone.”

When did you first start your journey in the data and tech space?

“I learned programming in junior high and then studied electronics in high school which eventually led to an opportunity with Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) through one of its engineering scholarship and trainee programs. Those experiences gave me the benefit of coding, engineering design, process management, manufacturing, and quality management which really helped me to build my career, both back then, and today.”

Beyond your impressive professional endeavors, do you participate in any community-based activities?

“I’m a huge proponent for fostering community, so I’ve been a long-standing board member and co-chair of Strategic Planning for the William Way Community Center in Philadelphia for nearly 10 years. I’m currently a member of SIM Women, an organization focused on bringing together and developing executive women in technology and am one of the original members and still currently on the SIM Women Leadership Summit Council. I am also a current member of the DiverseForce On Boards community, a board training and matching program for emerging and senior leaders of color in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is my adopted home, so any way that I can give back, I try to.”

With Leona’s expertise and leadership in the tech for good space, we look forward to transforming public benefits access and expanding our impact to help more people live more healthy, independent lives.

Read the press release to learn more about her new position with BDT.