Summary: Our guest for this week's conversation with Dr. Eddie Thompson, founder and CEO of Thompson & Associates, a values-based estate planning firm. We connected during his recent visit to St. Cloud, Minnesota. Our conversation covered several topics, but focused primarily on the crossroads we now find ourselves at as a nation. As you'll hear from Dr. Thompson, we need - more then ever - a commitment to conversation. Our nation is facing difficult challenges and together, through conversation, we shall overcome. I could have spent hours with Dr. Thompson. I found his views of our current situation very refreshing. Note: We apologies for the background noise you'll hear during this conversation. We were unable to turn off the H-VAC unit. I guess that's what you get when you have a good quality microphone! Thanks for understanding. About Dr. Eddie Thompson Dr. Eddie Thompson founded Thompson & Associates. As CEO he provides leadership and direction to Thompson & Associates. Additionally, he provides consulting services to nonprofit organizations, foundations and charities assisting them in developing their planned giving policies. Eddie obtained his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University. His doctoral dissertation was on successful fund raising methods. His academic achievements include two MA degrees and a BA and Associate of Fine Arts. Eddie was recognized by the National Society of Fund Raising Executives as a Certified Fund Raising Executive from 1986 to 1996. He speaks to organizations from coast to coast on fundraising. Eddie began his career at David Lipscomb University where he served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Assistant to the President, and Director of Planned Giving. His career advanced to The EAR Foundation, a national nonprofit, where he served as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Thompson has garnered many honors during his distinguished career. He was selected by Freed Hardeman University as its 2000 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. In 1992 he was selected as a Kellogg Foundation Board Trainer assigned to Special Olympics International; International Directory of Distinguished Leadership 1988; Who's Who in American Education 1992; Personalities of America, 6th edition; and 2000 Notable American Men, 2nd edition. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of four nonprofits: Institute of Board Certification, The Barnabas Foundation, African Christian School, and The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville. He is also a member of the Middle Tennessee Planned Giving Council. A native of Florida, Eddie and his wife have made Nashville their home. Eddie and his family are involved in many community organizations and are active members of their church.
