United Community, Unlimited Potentail: William “Bill” Thompson
William “Bill” Thompson was a Marietta native through and through, with roots that ran deep and a heart that embraced the community with open arms. Raised with a profound appreciation for his hometown, Bill believed that true leadership meant lifting others and ensuring a lasting, positive impact.
He built a remarkable career at Marietta College, where he quickly ascended to become Vice President of Development. His innate talent for fundraising and his dedication to building relationships left an indelible mark on both the institution and the wider Marietta community.
Bill’s reputation for integrity and authenticity drew people to him. “Bill just had a way with people,” remembered Bob Kirkbride, a longtime friend and fellow leader at Marietta Community Foundation. “He was honest, straightforward, and when it came to raising money – well, he was simply the best. People trusted him because he always told it like it was. He had this incredible ability to make people believe in a cause, to make them feel like they were part of something bigger.”
Beyond his professional life, Bill was beloved for his natural charisma and the genuine kindness he extended to others. He and his wife, Elsa, pursued their shared love of birdwatching. Together, they founded the Bird Watcher’s Digest, a venture that allowed them to turn their passion into a career. His dedication to bringing people together and inspiring a love for the outdoors mirrored his larger commitment to strengthening the community in meaningful ways.
As the Foundation grew, Bob Kirkbride, recognizing Bill’s unique talents and steadfast commitment, approached him with a proposition: to take on the role of Executive Director. “I knew Bill was the right person for the job,” Bob said. “He had a deep understanding of our mission and a way of bringing people together that was unmatched.
After some convincing, he accepted the role, and it was one of the best decisions we made for the Foundation. Bill brought his experience, his heart, and his vision, and it transformed everything.”
Bill was not only a skilled fundraiser but also a visionary leader. He recognized that the Foundation was doing excellent work connecting donors to their passions and supporting charitable projects in the community, but he felt a strong compulsion to push for something bigger and more grandiose for Marietta. Bill was relentless in his pursuit of this vision, constantly brainstorming ideas, some of which may have seemed a little crazy. But he never stopped believing in the potential of the Foundation.
One of Bill’s defining achievements at Marietta Community Foundation was his ability to rally the community’s leaders and stakeholders around a shared purpose. He successfully brought together various groups, advocating for a collective vision that showcased Marietta and Washington County as the ideal place to raise a family, start a business, and enjoy retirement. This set the stage for numerous organizations to continue this messaging, fostering a renewed sense of pride and purpose in the community.
Heather Allender & Bill Thompson
“Bill was more than a colleague or fellow board member; he was a friend, a true partner in every sense,” Bob recalled. “We shared a vision for what the Foundation could be, and we worked together to make it happen. But it wasn’t all business – he had this incredible sense of humor that made every day brighter. We laughed a lot. He made the work we did feel less like a job and more like a calling. That was Bill – he knew how to find joy in the work, and he shared that joy with everyone around him.”
Bill’s mentorship also played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders within the Foundation. He hired Heather Allender, who started as an administrative assistant under his guidance. For Heather, working with Bill was transformative, not just professionally but personally. “Bill was my mentor in every sense of the word,” she reflected. “He had this incredible ability to see potential in people, even when they couldn’t see it in themselves. He didn’t just teach me about the Foundation; he taught me about leadership, how to connect with people on a deeper level, and the importance of empathy in everything we do.”
Bill’s mentorship laid the groundwork for Heather’s ascent to the role of President and CEO of the Foundation. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Bill,” Heather said. “He believed in me when I was starting out, and that belief gave me the confidence to grow. His impact goes far beyond his time here – it’s in everything we do at the Foundation. His values, his approach, his way of connecting with people – they’ve all become part of the DNA of this organization.”
Bill Thompson’s legacy is evident in the lives he influenced and the relationships he built throughout his career. His vision extended beyond immediate goals; he believed in the potential for the Foundation to catalyze larger, transformative initiatives within the community.
This broader thinking has shaped the Foundation’s work, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for addressing community needs and aspirations. As Marietta Community Foundation continues its mission, Bill’s contributions are reflected in the ongoing commitment to kindness, generosity, and the pursuit of a brighter future for all.