Kathy Thomas
Chief of Operations
(626) 586-1844
kathy.thomas@lacda.org
Kathy Thomas is the LACDA’s Chief of Operations (COO) and oversees the agency’s day-to-day operations, helps execute the agency’s strategic goals, and assists in catalyzing specific change initiatives and key priorities of the Board of Supervisors/Commissioners.
Before being named COO in 2018 (previously titled Administrative Deputy Director), Kathy was the Director of the Economic and Housing Development Division (currently named Housing Investment and Financing) and was responsible for the implementation of development strategies to address the countywide need for affordable housing, including permanent supportive housing, housing preservation, and first-time homeownership programs. In addition, she was responsible for the formation and implementation of new economic development programs that included the establishment of standard protocols and program guidelines.
Prior to joining the LACDA, Kathy worked for an environmental remediation company, where she played a key role in expanding the management of brownfield projects in three states. Prior to working in the private sector, Kathy served in leadership roles within the Counties of San Bernardino and Riverside as the Director of Redevelopment and Housing and the Strategic Planning Manager, respectively. During her tenure as Redevelopment and Housing Director, she managed a $167 million budget for five project areas totaling roughly 29,000 acres. In Riverside County, Kathy worked for both the Redevelopment Agency and the Chief Executive Office, where she managed large-scale, long-term projects such as the creation of nine redevelopment project areas, implementation of the County’s Capital Improvement Program, and the development of Civic Center Facilities and the Department of Corrections Master Plans. In addition, she worked for the Riverside Transit Authority and Cities of Ontario and Claremont, where she managed a variety of projects, including three regional Metrolink/bus terminal hubs, the Ontario Mills Mall, the Ontario Convention Center, the Toyota Arena, the terminal expansion at Ontario International Airport, and the Claremont Colleges Master Plan.
Kathy received a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Redlands.
(626) 586-1844
kathy.thomas@lacda.org
Kathy Thomas is the LACDA’s Chief of Operations (COO) and oversees the agency’s day-to-day operations, helps execute the agency’s strategic goals, and assists in catalyzing specific change initiatives and key priorities of the Board of Supervisors/Commissioners.
Before being named COO in 2018 (previously titled Administrative Deputy Director), Kathy was the Director of the Economic and Housing Development Division (currently named Housing Investment and Financing) and was responsible for the implementation of development strategies to address the countywide need for affordable housing, including permanent supportive housing, housing preservation, and first-time homeownership programs. In addition, she was responsible for the formation and implementation of new economic development programs that included the establishment of standard protocols and program guidelines.
Prior to joining the LACDA, Kathy worked for an environmental remediation company, where she played a key role in expanding the management of brownfield projects in three states. Prior to working in the private sector, Kathy served in leadership roles within the Counties of San Bernardino and Riverside as the Director of Redevelopment and Housing and the Strategic Planning Manager, respectively. During her tenure as Redevelopment and Housing Director, she managed a $167 million budget for five project areas totaling roughly 29,000 acres. In Riverside County, Kathy worked for both the Redevelopment Agency and the Chief Executive Office, where she managed large-scale, long-term projects such as the creation of nine redevelopment project areas, implementation of the County’s Capital Improvement Program, and the development of Civic Center Facilities and the Department of Corrections Master Plans. In addition, she worked for the Riverside Transit Authority and Cities of Ontario and Claremont, where she managed a variety of projects, including three regional Metrolink/bus terminal hubs, the Ontario Mills Mall, the Ontario Convention Center, the Toyota Arena, the terminal expansion at Ontario International Airport, and the Claremont Colleges Master Plan.
Kathy received a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Redlands.