In Adelia Thompson’s mind, community comes first.
As CEO of Peninsula Community Foundation (PCF) of Virginia, her role is a testament to her deep commitment to bettering the Virginia Peninsula. Thompson is no stranger to the art of connection. Whether it’s through generous donations to charitable causes or the personal ties that bind communities together, she’s crafted a career dedicated to philanthropy and social impact.
PCF “exists to serve those who serve our neighbors. We don’t stand on the front line directly caring for others; we stand beside and behind the nonprofits, generous individuals, caring families and dedicated businesses who do serve on the front line day in and day out,” states their website.
PCF connects nonprofits with funding streams, connecting potential donors with like-minded groups.
Before coming to PCF, Thompson spent 14 highly influential years at Christopher Newport University (CNU), most of those leading advancement and development efforts. Her focus was on connecting generous people, businesses and organizations with the university’s needs. Especially scholarships.
“I would not have been able to go to college myself without scholarships,” Thompson says, calling the work “the most meaningful thing I could have ever done.”
Thompson says she was “so fortunate to be invited to join the CNU team” as vice president for advancement in 2011, a role she describes as “the dream job for me.” She helped lead CNU to surpass its fundraising goals. “Over $62 million”
raised against an initial target of “$42 million” summarizes the success of the first comprehensive fundraising campaign, which was launched in the school’s 50th anniversary year. “Getting to be part of that initiative, working on that campaign at that special place, was the chance of a lifetime,” she says.
Thompson’s time working closely with CNU President Paul Trible was deeply meaningful, describing him as “amazing to get to work for.” She says, “He assembled an extraordinary team, and the energy was high.” Being part of that team and helping build the university’s future was “the most important thing I was most proud of.”
Thompson eventually took on roles such as chief of staff and even interim president, navigating leadership transitions with dedication. She feels “deeply blessed” for the opportunities she’s had and the relationships she’s built. “I am a better person because I was given the gift of time with CNU and now PCF.”
When she left, she said she retired with a “little r, not a big R.” Sure enough, not much later, she was back. This time, as CEO of the Peninsula Community Foundation, broadening her focus from CNU to the entire region.
CEO of PCF
In her role at PCF, Thompson has discovered a community rich with opportunities to make a difference. “I stepped into an organization that was already well run. It’s about building on the strengths that are already here,” she says. Thompson’s agenda is clear: to elevate the foundation’s presence and secure resources to serve the community better.
“What motivates me is the desire to amplify the voices that often go unheard,” she says.
At the heart of Thompson’s mission is her belief in collaboration. Peninsula Community Foundation serves as a bridge, connecting generous individuals with nonprofit organizations that align with their passions and interests. “We want to make it easy for those who wish to give,” she says.
Through programs like Give Local 757, which encourages local giving; the Children’s Holiday Fund; and Impact 100 Greater Peninsula, the foundation has helped nonprofits thrive, establishing effective partnerships across the region. “We’re focused on serving those who serve our neighbors,” Thompson says, embodying the spirit of collaboration within her work.
Beyond her professional life, Thompson has found joy and companionship in her personal life with her husband, J. Lynn Thompson. He has served for a decade as a conductor and professor in the music department at CNU after a successful 40-plus-year career in music in Atlanta and across the country, as a conductor, artistic leader, recording artist, performer and educator. They have been married 28 years and cherish their 4-year-old Golden Retriever, Bumper.
With shared passions for arts and music, the couple has always intertwined their professional and personal lives. “We love football, hiking and enjoy good food and wine together,” she says.
As Thompson looks toward the future, her aspirations for Peninsula Community Foundation are ambitious, yet deeply rooted in community needs. “I want to continue navigating our foundation toward greater financial stability while enhancing awareness of our work,” she says.
With a keen understanding of the complexities present within the nonprofit sector, Adelia Thompson exemplifies the balance of compassion and practicality necessary to lead PCF toward future success. Her journey has not only empowered her but has also inspired countless others to join the cause of serving their community, underscoring the transformative power of connection and collaboration. Under her leadership, Peninsula Community Foundation and the community it serves stand poised for continued growth and opportunity.
TO THE POINT:
Peninsula Community Foundation
Address: 48 W. Queens Way, Hampton, VA 23669
Contact: Adelia Thompson, CEO
Phone: 757-327-0862
Email: pcfvirginia@gmail.com
Website: pcfvirginia.org
