ACCOKEEK, MD, May 26, 2023 - Shari L. Thomas has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Contributing more than 25 years to her career endeavors, Ms. Thomas accepted the position of Chief Diversity Officer for the U.S. Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C., in 2022. This followed four years of service as the Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager for the U.S. Department of the Navy. Founded in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent agency of the federal government that serves to assist small business owners and protect the interests of small businesses throughout the country.

As the Chief Diversity Officer and Program Director, Ms. Thomas leads the Diversity and Inclusion Program Office and, among other responsibilities, is involved in the development and execution of the organization's strategic vision, goals and priorities. Ms. Thomas' responsibilities are also shared with executive leadership, including the Assistant Administrator of the program.

Aligned with the U.S. Department of the Navy from 2015 to 2022, Ms. Thomas was hired as a Budget Analyst and, subsequently, became the Budget Finance Manager and the Lead Program Business Finance Manager. She also gained valuable experience with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Springfield, Virginia, as a Budget Analyst and Budget Team Lead between 2009 and 2011. Earlier in her career, Ms. Thomas was employed by Veyance Technologies, Inc., in Akron, Ohio, as a Credit Manager, and Goodyear in Akron as a Financial Analyst and Credit Manager. Alongside her work in the field, Ms. Thomas enjoys giving back to her community. She previously played a vital role on the board of directors and as the treasurer of her local homeowners' association.

To prepare for her career, Ms. Thomas received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Duquesne University in 1981, and a Master of Business Administration in Executive Management from Ashland University in 2002. Additional educational pursuits to Ms. Thomas' credit include the completion of the Duke Leadership Program from Duke University, The Fuqua School of Business Executive Education in 2012, the U.S. Department of Defense Federal Executive Webcast Leadership Series through the African American Federal Executive Association, Inc., in 2017, the Washington, D.C., Leadership Development Program through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in 2018, a Certificate of Mastery in Diversity and Inclusion from Georgetown University Institute for Federal Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion in 2019, and an Executive Certificate in Strategic Diversity & Inclusion Management through Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies in 2020.

Ms. Thomas has been a professional member of CHIEF since 2022, an organization that is devoted to women in executive is leadership. She is also a member of the Pittsburgh chapter of INROADS, which has been a leader in advancing diverse youth in corporate America.

In 2022 and 2021, Ms. Thomas was recognized with an Honorary Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Indian Head Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Also in 2021, she received a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion Award from the National Diversity and Leadership Conference. Moreover, Ms. Thomas was the recipient of a United States Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal from the Executive Director of the Naval Sea Systems Command in 2019.

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