Jennifer Thomas joined Knight Foundation as program director for Akron in June 2010, and has a track record of developing innovative ideas for Northeast Ohio. 

Previously, Thomas launched and led the Cleveland-based Civic Innovation Lab, which provides mentorship and funding to civic, social and technology start-ups. Thomas also founded ClevelandClicks, a social networking group supporting and cultivating tech entrepreneurs. In addition, Thomas has worked as a financial analyst for Sony Music Entertainment and Pfizer.

Thomas has a bachelor’s in economics from Denison University and an MBA from New York University. She plays the piano, bass and guitar.