i-tri has hired Jennifer Thompson, who will fill the role of Chief Executive Officer for the East End-based girl-focused non-profit organization.
An experienced leader in the non-profit world, Thompson, comes to i-tri from the National Association of Social Workers in New Jersey and Delaware, where she served as Executive Director. Prior, she led as Chief Marketing and Communications Director for the Girl Scouts, where she shepherded advocacy initiatives that included a collaboration with the office of First Lady Michelle Obama and her initiative, Let Girls Learn. Thompson previously developed programs for young breast cancer survivors in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for Sharsheret. She also served as Senior Advisor to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, working with him on initiatives including homeless services, affordable housing, transportation, and infrastructure.
Passionate about empowering girls, the triathlete and social worker shares that she’s excited to step into her role at i-tri to help provide them with the tools and experiences that help them build self-confidence and resilience.
“There are many programs for girls, but i-tri is unique in that it focuses on the whole girl– developing critical life skills while also accomplishing something physically that can seem daunting,” she said of the organization. “This combination of empowerment, mental health and physical wellbeing is critical to and has led to its incredible success.”
The organization has recently garnered national press attention with features on The Kelly Clarkson Show as well as the Today show. “We are at a pivotal time in our organization’s history,” said Linda Frankenbach, Chair of i-tri’s Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to have Ms. Thompson bring her experience to lead the next chapter of our work and growth. She will join our senior management team of Theresa Roden and Cathy Borzon, and together these talented women will enhance the unique program we provide and expand its reach on the East End and beyond.”
Theresa Roden, founder of i-tri, steps into a new leadership position as Founder, Chief Visionary, Program, and Strategic Development Officer. As the organization grows, she will continue to focus on what she loves best — serving the needs of i-tri girls and their families. Roden will also focus on leading the expansion of i-tri into new schools and communities here on Long Island and beyond.
Roden, who created i-tri in 2010 as a unique program for middle school girls at the Springs School in East Hampton to tap into their confidence and power, has seen the organization expand from a small grassroots program to a thriving multi-community network with more than 1,200 participants at 13 New York school districts.
“I am excited to welcome Jennifer to our i-tri family and look forward to working together towards our vision of a world where any girl who can benefit from i-tri will have that opportunity,” she said.
Next up for i-tri is the annual Spring Auction and Cocktail Party, which will be held on Saturday, May 13, at the Church in Sag Harbor from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The fundraising event will feature a live performance by popular East Hampton-based rocker Inda Eaton and will serve as a community-wide introduction to Ms. Thompson.
For tickets, upcoming events and more, visit trigirls.org.