Donna Thompson

Donna Thompson is a deeply respected health equity leader and generous DePaul University alumna whose passion for the Vincentian mission has been embodied through meaningful service to the College of Science and Health. Through Donna's generosity and continued dedication to DePaul, she has nurtured the growth and development of students and strengthened the College of Science and Health.

For over 35 years, Donna has worked in healthcare administration, advocating for policy changes that reduced barriers to care for patients and providers. From 2004 to 2023, she served as the CEO of Access Community Health Network (ACCESS), reimagining its care delivery model and leading it to become the sixth largest Federally Qualified Health Center organization in the nation. Under her leadership, ACCESS expanded access to primary, specialty, and behavioral health services that address social determinants of health across Chicago and suburban Cook and DuPage counties. Donna spearheaded both organic and inorganic growth by acquiring primary care physician practices, establishing co-located health centers within hospital systems, and developing standalone health centers that created a seamless care system, serving nearly 180,000 patients annually.

Throughout her impressive career, Donna has received numerous awards and recognitions for her advocacy in health equity, including  the 2015 National Medical Fellowship Leadership in Healthcare Award, Crain’s 2019 Most Notable Women in Healthcare, the Habilitative System’s 2021 Race and Health Equity Award, the National Black Nurses Association's 2021 Notable Nurse and Champion recognition, Crain's 2022 Notable Executives of Color in Health Care, the Institute of Medicine Chicago's 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Equal Hope Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to her career achievements, Donna serves as a DePaul trustee, quality committee chair on the board of AccentCare, and on the advisory boards for Ardmore Roderick, Coppin Food Pantry, and the Michael Reese Research and Education Foundation.

Together these honors reflect a lifetime devoted to advancing health equity, shaping policy, and inspiring future leaders. Donna has been an invaluable member of our community and philanthropist for the College of Science and Health and the broader DePaul community. She believes deeply in broadening access to higher education and stands as a powerful pillar of support for students. Donna’s career reflects what it means to lead with excellence and purpose, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, equity, and opportunity.