Thao Thompson is an operations and administrative executive with more than 20 years of progressive professional experience in administration in the federal government and as an active duty U.S. Marine. Most recently, she served as deputy chief administrative officer and senior project manager at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). She led strategic planning and business operations at CFPB, including managing the operational budget, strategic partnerships and communications, human resources and training, procurement, policies and procedures, external audits, and staff leadership. Prior to CFPB, Thompson worked at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Regulatory Affairs as acting director of the project management office. She had previously served as chief of staff and special assistant for the FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs.

Thompson received a master’s degree in public affairs from the Goldman School of Public Policy at Berkeley, a master’s of business administration from American University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from George Washington University. She is a senior fellow with the Partnership for Public Service and a project management professional (PMP), among other professional certifications.