Tolleson Welcomes Michelle Thomas, Expanding Expertise in Philanthropy and Family Engagement

Tolleson Wealth Management welcomes Michelle Thomas as Managing Director of Philanthropy and Family Engagement. Her addition reflects the firm’s continued investment in helping families approach philanthropy with intention, guided by the values that matter most to them today and for generations to come.

Michelle brings decades of experience across philanthropy, community investment, and social impact. Before joining Tolleson, Michelle spent 24 years at JPMorgan Chase, most recently serving as Executive Director of Global Philanthropy and Head of the South Region. She led philanthropic and community investment efforts across nine U.S. markets, with a focus on workforce development, small business growth, economic mobility, financial health, and community revitalization.

During her time at JPMorgan Chase, Michelle also advised senior leaders on philanthropic priorities and broader community initiatives. She served on the organization’s Market Leadership Team and Global Philanthropy Senior Leadership Team, contributing to cross-market initiatives and organizational priorities.

In her role with Tolleson, Michelle will work closely with families on philanthropic planning, governance, community impact, and multigenerational engagement. Her perspective complements the firm’s existing work in this area. Michelle joins the experienced Philanthropy and Family Engagement Team led by Aleta Stampley, adding complementary expertise to an established practice. As the team grows, Aleta’s role will continue to evolve, creating new opportunities to deepen strategy and expand its capabilities.

“The experience Michelle Thomas brings adds important depth to our work with families. She builds on the strong foundation Aleta Stampley has already established,” comments CEO Carter Tolleson. “As families’ needs continue to evolve, our goal is to evolve with them.”

Michelle was also recently named a 2026 Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. She is actively involved in the Dallas community, serving on the Methodist Health System Foundation Board and the UT Southwestern Medical Foundation Advisory Board. She also served as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas Board following her appointment by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. Michelle is a graduate of Leadership Dallas and a member of the Dallas Assembly, Charter 100, and International Women’s Forum.

Michelle earned an MBA in Finance from Dallas Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from the University of Oklahoma.