Dr. Charles Thomas Jr. is a multi-award winning social entrepreneur, educator, best-selling author, on-air personality, and Concerned Citizen™. He has committed himself to service and philanthropic efforts and has varied experiences in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Charles strives to live according to the Renaissance ideal of broad learning and full engagement in life as a demonstration of human potential.
Charles is the Co-Founder and CEO of Clear Cloud, a software engineering organization focused on development, data science, and delivery. He is also the Founder of Concerned Citizen™ Media, which is the home of Divergent Thought™ and Make it Make Sense™ (forthcoming) radio shows where he serves as a co-host.
Within the non-profit sector, Charles serves as Chairman of the Board for OAR Nova, teaches Life Skills classes to men who are incarcerated and preparing for societal re-entry, volunteers as a Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors for Shelter House. Charles also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
Charles is a former Division 1 Student-Athlete, Sankofa Scholar, NAACP Senior of the Year, Rockne Student-Athlete of the Year, Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar award winner, two-time Notre Dame Monogram winner, and two-time Big East Academic All-Star Team member.
Charles’ engagement as a civic minded professional has also yielded positive outcomes. Some of his more recent recognition is as follows:
• Rising Star Award – Washington Business Journal
• Emerging Influential Leader of the Year – Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• Two-time 40 Under 40 Honoree – The Network Journal and Leadership Center for Excellence
• Alpha Sigma Nu Magis Medal Winner
• Northern Virginia Trustee Leadership Award – Leadership Fairfax
• Two-time National Intelligence Professional Award – Director of National Intelligence
• Outstanding Service to the Community Award – Creighton University
• Sojourner Truth Award with OAR NOVA
• Meritorious Citation – Intelligence Community
Dr. Thomas earned Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Doctoral degrees with distinction. He is from Flint, MI and lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and children.