Sarah Thompson Joins Dogwood Health Trust

She will also lead efforts to increase support for micro and small business opportunities for under-resourced and marginalized communities.

“Sarah knows and understands economic and community development,” said Susan Mims, interim CEO for Dogwood Health Trust, “but more importantly, she also knows and cares deeply for the people of our region. Her many years working at Southwestern Commission have given Sarah a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities experienced in our unique economic ecosystem.”

“I am excited to continue my service to Western North Carolina in this new capacity,” Thompson said. “This is a region of tremendous opportunity and notable challenges as well. Dogwood’s approach to community and economic development, through a social determinants of health lens, allows us to take bold and creative approaches to economic stability for the people of WNC.”

Thompson most recently served as executive director for Southwestern Commission in Sylva, directing operations of the regional council of government that serves the seven most western counties in North Carolina through community and economic development, workforce development, and area agency on aging.

Thompson previously was executive director of the Downtown Sylva Association. She also serves on several boards including the NC Rural Economic Development Center Board, Thread Capital, Jackson County Planning Board, Town of Sylva Commissioner, and the Downtown Sylva Association board of directors.

Thompson has also served as a member of the Dogwood board of directors. She took a leave of absence from that role prior to entering the search for this role, and officially resigned from the board in order to take the position.