Dessie Thomas

Staff Member

Dessie Thomas

Bookkeeper/HR Assistant

Dessie Thomas serves as the Bookkeeper/HR Assistant to the CFO at PDAP.

With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, Dessie has built a career dedicated to strengthening the operational backbone of mission-driven nonprofit organizations. As an Operations Director, Dessie oversaw core functions including finance, human resources, compliance, facilities, IT systems, and ensuring organizations have the structure and resources to achieve their goals.

Dessie has led cross-functional teams, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and implemented systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and staff experience. Her expertise includes risk management, process optimization, vendor relations, and organizational development. Passionate about advancing equity and sustainability in the nonprofit sector, Dessie is a strategic thinker and trusted partner to executives, staff, and boards alike.

Our mission is to provide tools, strategies, mutual support, training and information to Public Defender Offices in Pennsylvania; to be the voice of public defense in Pennsylvania; and to promote best practices in the leadership, management, and administration of justice in Pennsylvania.