The purpose driven life is all about the connection, and for Sherry Nelson Thomas, the ties that bind have helped to transform St. Louis. As a fundraising professional with more than a decade of experience, she is an innovator and creative thinker who succeeds in bringing donors and nonprofits together to make a positive difference for the people who need it the most. As the development director for CareSTL Health, a community-based health care system that provides medical care to the underserved, underinsured and uninsured, Sherry leverages her master’s in social work from the University of Missouri–St. Louis to give her a unique perspective when it comes to building relationships with donors and supporters. Sherry also credits UMSL for being the place that first ignited the power of connection in her life.
“My time at UMSL has given me lifelong friendships that I cherish, and I continue to be inspired by the faculty and staff, especially the wonderful Linda Wells-Glover, who challenged and pushed me to grow more than she knows.”
Since joining CareSTL, Sherry has quadrupled corporate sponsors for events, led the strategic development of a $10 million capital campaign and created and executed multi-year fundraising plans in support of the organization’s mission. Prior to CareSTL, Sherry served in development leadership roles with Kids in the Middle, which empowers children and families as they experience difficult family transitions; Pianos for People, which provides free access to the transformative power of music for children and families with limited resources; and Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region & Southwest Missouri, as well as mental health and program development roles with Mercy Hospital and Magdalene St. Louis. Sherry has also connected back to her community through volunteer board leadership roles with Jazz St. Louis, Tower Grove Park and Episcopal Service Corps.
