Thompson, who previously served as community liaison for the African American History Research Center at the Gregory School within the Houston Public Library system, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new role. Her background includes positions at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta. Thompson holds a master’s degree in Africana studies from Cornell University and a master’s (all but dissertation) in American studies from the University of Maryland.