Thomas Stith
CEO – Michael Thomas Group
Thomas Stith is an accomplished leader with a strong record in enhancing operations, productivity, and revenue across public and private sectors. Renowned for his expertise in investment and development, he brings extensive experience in financial planning, governance, and strategic planning to board service. His diverse career includes roles in government, higher education, economic development, and financial services. Notably, he served as a Special Assistant to the Governor of North Carolina, Councilman for Durham, and Chief of Staff for Governor McCrory, where he established the $60M Venture Capital Multiplier Fund.
Stith has significantly impacted community development through organizations like the North Carolina Community College System and the U.S. Small Business Administration, facilitating $16B in lending to support local businesses during the pandemic. He also advanced supplier diversity initiatives at Progress Energy, earning multiple awards. As President of the North Carolina Community College System, he secured a historic $1.4B investment and improved enrollment. Currently, he is CEO of the Michael Thomas Group and a Fellow at the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC Chapel Hill. Stith holds an MBA and BBA from North Carolina Central University and is certified in nonprofit management from Duke University. He lives in the Triangle area of North Carolina with his family.
