With a distinguished career spanning decades, Jeff Thomson has been a transformative force in the world of business and finance. After nearly 15 years as the President and CEO of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), he has now retired to embark on a new journey.

During his tenure as President and CEO at IMA, Jeff led the development of strategic initiatives that propelled IMA into one of the fastest-growing and most influential accounting associations globally. Under his leadership, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA®) program experienced double-digit growth, and IMA’s membership expanded to more than 140,000 professionals across 150 countries. Jeff’s expertise and credentials in areas such as strategy, finance, accounting, risk management, internal controls, and sustainability have been invaluable in shaping IMA’s mission and thought leadership.

Jeff’s contributions to the industry go beyond his role at IMA. Prior to his executive leadership position, he served in various financial, strategic, and operational roles at AT&T, where he pioneered data science before the role became widely recognized. His extensive background includes being the business partner CFO for an $18 billion business unit, demonstrating his ability to manage and guide substantial financial endeavors.

Education has been a cornerstone of Jeff’s career. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Montclair State University, complementing his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the same institution. Additionally, he completed the Senior Executive Development Program at Columbia University and the MIT Sloan Innovation Program through IMA.

Furthermore, Jeff’s commitment to continuous learning and excellence is evident through his certifications and memberships. He holds the Certified Management Accountant (CMA®) designation, Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, and the Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA®) credential. Jeff also holds a certification in sustainable business management. These certifications underscore his dedication to staying at the forefront of industry knowledge.

Jeff also has significant and diverse board experience, having served as a full voting member on the IMA board, a full voting member on the COSO board (COSO is the internal control and risk organization that provides guidance on financial and sustainability reporting), and is currently serving as a Board Member for the Coleridge Initiative (a NFP focused on using data science and connected data for societal good such as feeding the impoverished, K-12 education, and workforce development). He is a Senior Strategic Advisor for Competent Boards (the world’s largest provider of ESG, climate and biodiversity board education and training). Jeff also serves as Executive-in-Residence for Becker Accounting, the world’s largest exam preparation company for the CPA exam.

In conclusion, Jeff Thomson’s illustrious career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the business and finance world. As he enters a new phase of his journey, his wealth of knowledge and experience is poised to continue benefiting organizations, society, and aspiring professionals in various capacities, including corporate board director, strategic advisor, speaker, and executive-in-residence. Jeff’s legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Character: Jeff Thomson is a visionary leader known for his unwavering commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and making a positive impact in the fields of business and finance.

Knowledge: With extensive expertise in strategy, finance, accounting, risk management, internal controls, and sustainability, Jeff’s wealth of knowledge has been instrumental in shaping industry best practices and driving thought leadership.

Strategic: Throughout his career, Jeff has demonstrated strategic acumen by spearheading initiatives that led the Institute of Management Accountants to rapid growth and global influence, while also providing advisory services to various organizations.

Communication: Jeff’s exceptional communication skills have been evident in his ability to testify before the U.S. Congress, provide thought leadership, and share his expertise as a speaker, ensuring his insights enrich careers, organizations, and society at large.