Health & Human Services Director Ike Ogbo has appointed Audrey Thompson, regional ombudsman and program manager for the City’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Community Services Manager. She is a licensed Master Social Worker and serves as an adjunct professor in the Social Work Department of Northeastern Illinois University.
In her new role, Ms. Thompson will oversee the City’s senior services and youth and young adult programs and staff, including the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. These programs, along with family advocate services, were moved to the Health & Human Services Department from the City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department in 2020 after a comprehensive review of the City’s social services programs.
Ms. Thompson has 28 years of experience in social services. She began her career with the City as regional ombudsman and program manager in 2010. In that position, she led the creation of the Age-Friendly Business Initiative and the Evanston Benefit Card program, which provides seniors with one-step access to City programs, such as the Subsidized Transportation Program, Wheel Tax Discount, and Recreation Program Fee Assistance, as well as discounts at local businesses.
“Audrey has a strong track record of providing innovative and impactful services to the Evanston community and beyond,” said Mr. Ogbo. “Her steadfast commitment to our city’s residents along with her extensive experience connecting both seniors and youth with services and opportunities will be a tremendous asset to the City. I look forward to working with Audrey in her new position.”