Barbara Ryan Thompson

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Barbara Ryan Thompson provides strategic direction to the Foundation, overseeing internal operations in addition to fostering external community and stakeholder relations. Prior to joining Helios, Ms. Thompson served six years with Southwest Student Services Corporation first as Vice President and then as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Ms. Thompson was also previously an attorney in private practice at Snell & Wilmer, LLP, where she represented a number of corporate and public clients.

Ms. Thompson received her J.D. degree from Syracuse University College of Law and a M.P.A. degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She serves on the Board of Directors of Teach for America-Phoenix, and the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority.