Jeffrey Thomson Takes the Helm as Chair of The Coleridge Initiative Board of Directors

The Coleridge Initiative proudly announces the appointment of Jeffrey Thomson as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. This significant leadership change follows the successful tenure of Dr. Michael Holland, who played a crucial role in the organization since its inception. Under Holland's guidance, Coleridge transitioned from a startup into a well-established nonprofit that focuses on promoting effective data use in public decision-making.

Jeffrey Thomson, who joined the Coleridge Board in 2023, succeeds Holland at a time when the organization is poised for growth and enhanced impact. With a robust background in executive leadership, Thomson has substantial experience as the CEO of a noteworthy accounting nonprofit for nearly 15 years. His journey includes a significant role as CFO for Business Sales at AT&T, where he dedicated over 23 years. This wealth of experience has equipped him with valuable insights in governance, strategic planning, business transformation, enterprise risk management, and internal control—all crucial elements that will benefit the Coleridge Initiative.

In his acceptance statement, Thomson expressed his honor at being named Chair. He noted his admiration for Coleridge's mission to leverage data and analytics to address pressing societal challenges. "Building on the strong foundation laid by Mike and the board, I'm excited to help Coleridge uniquely bridge data silos and enhance how government agencies serve the public,” said Thomson. His vision aligns seamlessly with Coleridge's commitment to harnessing data for the greater good, revealing his determination to affect positive change.

Thomson's appointment comes at a critical point in Coleridge's journey. Ahu Yildirmaz, the organization's President and CEO, emphasized that Thomson's proven leadership and cross-sector expertise were exactly what Coleridge needed at this juncture. Her praise for Thomson's history of driving innovation and fostering a data-literate workforce showcased the high expectations surrounding his leadership. As Coleridge seeks to expand its influence, Thomson's vision will serve as a vital asset in transforming public policy through data-driven strategies.

Looking back, Dr. Michael Holland's steadfast guidance over the past six years has set high standards for organized governance and operational excellence within Coleridge. Under his leadership, the organization established itself as a force in advancing data usage across various government sectors. Holland’s unique combination of skills and dedication ensured Coleridge's durability and consistency, paving the way for continued success.

Expressing his sentiments about his successor, Holland stated, "Jeff's unique combination of skills, experience, and passion for the Coleridge mission will ensure the organization's continued success.” As Holland transitions away from the chairmanship, he reflects on his rewarding journey with Coleridge, recognizing the remarkable achievements of the board during his tenure.

The Coleridge Initiative's mission revolves around enhancing the awareness and competence around data usage within government agencies. By equipping these entities to improve workforce data literacy and promoting collaboration through secured data sharing, the initiative holds the promise of significant benefits to public decision-making processes. The organization's innovative technologies, including its FedRAMP-authorized Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF), enable secure connections of data across states, thereby fostering better policy-making.

As the Coleridge Initiative embarks on this new chapter under Thomson's leadership, the organization looks forward to leveraging its extensive data capabilities to drive effective solutions to complex societal issues. For more information about The Coleridge Initiative and its mission, visit www.coleridgeinitiative.org.