Colonial Williamsburg Foundation names vice president of development

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation announced Monday it has named James “Jim” Thomas vice president of development, effective July 1.

Thomas comes to the foundation from Western Michigan University, where he served as vice president for development and alumni relations and as executive director of the Western Michigan University Foundation.

At Western Michigan he led implementation of a service-based, integrated approach to development and alumni engagement that resulted in a 160 percent increase in gifts over the prior five-year period.

Previously Thomas served in development leadership positions with the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Health System, as executive director of the Greater Lansing Catholic Education Foundation, and as director of development for Detroit’s Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

“Colonial Williamsburg was established only with the philanthropic support of one man, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Over 90 years, that base of support has grown to more than 100,000,” Colonial Williamsburg Foundation president and CEO, Mitchell B. Reiss, said in a statement. “To sustain that legacy and our foundation’s critical mission will require continued leadership and innovation, which Jim has shown to great effect throughout his 25-year career.”

Thomas earned his master’s degree in theological studies from St. John’s Provincial Seminary and his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.