Amanda Thompson

Amanda Thompson is a community engagement and public-facing leader with more than a decade of experience developing high-impact programs, managing partnerships, and representing mission-driven organizations across nonprofit, government, and consulting environments. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Best Defense Foundation, where she leads initiatives supporting veterans of all generations and oversees programming, partnerships, communications, and community engagement.

Her career is rooted in a passion for military history and veteran services. Before joining the Best Defense Foundation, Amanda held leadership and program roles with organizations including the MCRD Museum Foundation, Armed Services YMCA San Diego, and USS Midway Museum. She also works as a historian and consultant through Thompson Consulting, advising organizations on outreach, storytelling, media relations, and audience growth. Her experience includes partnerships with major companies such as Delta Air Lines and Michelin and national initiatives honoring veterans and their service.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Long Beach, with an emphasis in U.S. History and a minor in Communications, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, veteran programs, stakeholder engagement, media relations, experiential programming, and nonprofit leadership. Through her work, she combines historical storytelling, community connection, and purposeful partnerships to create meaningful experiences for veterans and the communities that support them.