Lutheran Social Services CEO tapped to lead Human Services' community inclusion programs

The North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) says Jessica Thomasson has been selected to fill the role of director of community inclusion, which is responsible for oversight and direction of several department service lines.

"We look forward to Jessica joining our leadership team to guide this important work,” said department Executive Director Chris Jones. “Her extensive experience in both affordable housing and the provision of supportive services will be beneficial to DHS as we strive to deliver critical services more effectively and efficiently to North Dakotans."

Currently, Thomasson is the president and chief executive officer of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, a private not-for-profit organization that has partnered with the department in serving people across the state for decades.

“I am eager to work with the team at DHS to build on new opportunities that can help people navigate the life challenges they are facing. I believe all of us share a goal of helping people find ways to live fully engaged lives in communities large and small across this state,” Thomasson said.

Thomasson joined Lutheran Social Services in 2008 as the organization’s director of affordable housing. Prior to that, she worked as the senior community development planner for Fargo, where she led a range of initiatives related to affordable housing and neighborhood development. She holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and economics from the University of North Dakota and master’s degrees in urban/regional planning and public policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Thomasson will join the DHS leadership team Feb. 1, 2020.