Michelle Thompson

Biography

Michelle Thompson is the Assistant Dean – Executive Coaching & Consulting and External Relations program at the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. Michelle brings a breadth of executive leadership experience in nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She has spent years coaching high-capacity leaders and working with teams, with a special focus on facilitating conflict resolution. She has first-hand knowledge of the impact created when leaders invest in character development and strengthen their leadership competencies. Uniquely equipped, Michelle helps leaders strengthen both their personal and professional lives.

Michelle serves on the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Accreditation Advisory Committee and on the Graduate School Alliance for Education of Coaches (GSAEC) Board of Directors. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and holds an Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC) from the International Coaching Federation. She is also a Certified Master Christian Coach (CMCC) from the International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA).

Degrees Earned

EdD Candidate – Organizational Leadership, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX
MS, Organizational Leadership, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX
MA, Theology and Children’s Ministry Leadership, Bethel University, St. Paul, MN
BA, Education, Concordia University, River Forest, IL

Work Experience

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY IRVINE–Irvine, CA

Townsend Institute Assistant Dean – Executive Coaching & Consulting and External Relations, 2023-Present
Townsend Institute Program Director of Executive Coaching & Consulting, 2021-Present
YMCA GREATER HOUSTON ASSOCIATION—Houston, TX, 2015-2021, Vice President of Leadership Transformation
CAMERON—Houston, TX, 2012-2015, Senior Training Manager-Drilling Systems
CROSSPOINT COMMUNITY—Katy, TX, 2008-2012, Executive Director
Contracted Growth Coach & Leadership Consultant, 2010-Present

Courses Taught

EXCC 600 Personal Development Skills Process Groups/Townsend Institute Orientation
EXCC 620 Executive Coaching and Consulting Capstone
EXCC 613 Developing the Executive Coaching Relationship
EXCC 602 Building Healthy Organizational Culture
EXCC 608 Transformational Life Coaching
EXCC 616 Presentation and Training Skills
EXCC 622 Coaching Mentorship
EXCC 604 Leading Change and Motivation
EXCC 612 Executive Coaching and Character Development

Additional Certifications

Conflict Resolution and Mediation Certification – Abilene Christian University
Working Genius Certified Facilitator
Positive Intelligence Coach

Professional Memberships

International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Graduate School Alliance for Education of Coaches (GSAEC)
Coaching Ethics Forum

Community Involvement

International Coaching Federation Accreditation Advisory – Committee Member
PLI (Pastoral Leadership Institute) – Board Chair
Graduate School Alliance of Education for Coaching – Board Member