Alex Thomas
Alexandria Thomas is an accomplished healthcare administration and operations professional serving as the Assistant Regional Director at Southeast Human Service Center in Fargo, North Dakota. She has been working in her field for approximately eight years and currently holds a leadership role she has occupied for nearly one year. Her career journey reflects steady professional growth and resilience, beginning as an Assistant Manager at Subway about 15 years ago before transitioning into office administration and healthcare operations. After experiencing a layoff, she found her way into behavioral health clinic operations, starting at the front desk. Over time, she advanced through progressively responsible roles, including front desk operations, management, operations management, and ultimately into her current executive leadership position. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Rasmussen University and brings a strong foundation in organizational leadership and business strategy to her work.
Throughout her career, Alexandria has developed a strong reputation for people management and people development, which serves as the foundation of her professional expertise. In her current role, she provides direct supervision to staff while focusing heavily on employee engagement, workforce development, and organizational wellness initiatives. She works closely with human resources to enhance onboarding, offboarding, and orientation processes, and she is currently leading the development of an Ambassador Program and an operations internship initiative to support workforce growth and professional development. A typical day in her role involves collaboration through meetings, strategic planning, and supporting initiatives that foster a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to succeed. She also serves as the center’s wellness coordinator, implementing programs, activities, and resources that promote employee self-care, mental health awareness, and work-life balance.
Alexandria is deeply passionate about serving her community and supporting vulnerable populations through behavioral health services. She finds the most fulfillment in working alongside her colleagues and witnessing the meaningful impact they make on individuals and families who rely on these services. Her professional certifications, including SHRM-CP and Mental Health First Aid credentials, further demonstrate her commitment to ethical leadership, workforce development, and behavioral health advocacy. Driven by a dedication to continuous learning and professional growth, Alexandria remains focused on strengthening organizational culture, developing future leaders, and contributing to community wellness through compassionate and effective service delivery.
• Mental Health First Aid
• SHRM - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
• Having Difficult Conversations
• Developing Your Emotional Intelligence
• Managing Team Conflict
• Rasmussen University - BBA
• Williston State College - AAS
• 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to working hard, being honest, and being supportive and helpful. Just being there for people has been really important to me. I believe in showing up consistently and maintaining integrity in everything I do. Having a strong support system has also been crucial. My biggest mentor has been my previous boss, Alina Zeller, who really helped guide me along my career path. I've learned that investing in relationships and being open to guidance from mentors makes all the difference in professional growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Alex identified Alina Zeller as a significant mentor in her career. This mentorship has provided guidance, perspective, and encouragement as Alex has navigated leadership roles and professional growth opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just take the first step. It might be a scary journey, but in the end, it's always worth it. Don't let fear hold you back from pursuing opportunities in this field. The work we do is meaningful and makes a real impact on vulnerable people in our communities who need support.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say the biggest challenge is access. We work with very vulnerable clientele, and they need a lot of support in the needs that they have. There's a real lack of access to services, not just across the United States, but also here in North Dakota specifically. That would be the biggest barrier we face in providing the care and support that our communities need.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Working hard, being honest, being supportive and helpful, and just being there for people are the values most important to me. I believe in showing up consistently and maintaining integrity in both my professional and personal life. I value creating environments where people feel supported and where I can be helpful to others. Being present and available, whether for my team at work or my family at home, is something I prioritize deeply.