The UAB School of Optometry announced that its new senior director of development will be Sommer Thompson, a development professional with more than nine years of experience at UAB.

Thompson, who most recently served as director of development at UAB’s Collat School of Business, will join the School of Optometry on July 10.

“I am very excited to join the School of Optometry,” says Thompson. “My goal is to engage alumni in meaningful ways and create philanthropic opportunities alumni and donors are passionate about.”

In addition to six years with the School of Business, Thompson served as a major gift officer for three years at the UAB School of Dentistry.

“In each of these position, Sommer has played an important role in the schools’ overall fundraising success with a proven record of accomplishment in engaging alumni and business leaders,” says Tom Brannan, vice president for Development and Alumni at UAB. “I look forward to her continued success in the School of Optometry.”

Thompson says her initial priorities will be to meet all faculty, staff and as many alumni and friends of the School of Optometry as possible. She will also work with Kelly K. Nichols, O.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., dean of the School of Optometry, and other leadership to identify top priorities and design and implement a strategic plan for a comprehensive development program.

"We have a long history at the School of Optometry of successful relations between development, alumni affairs and our generous donors," Nichols says. "We look forward to introducing Sommer to our extended optometry family in the weeks and months to come."