SADI Executive Director Donna Thompson to retire after decades of service

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — After more than two decades with the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, Executive Director Donna Thompson is stepping down, leaving behind a legacy of growth, expanded services and deeper community impact.

Thompson’s connection to SADI began in 1996, when she first worked as a case manager. After a brief time away working in hospice care and for the state of Missouri, she returned part-time in 2001 and has remained with the organization ever since. She was later named executive director, a role she has held for seven years.

“It just feels like I came full circle,” Thompson said. “There’s just something about this place. We’ve had several staff members leave and come back — it’s just where we want to work.”

When Thompson stepped into the executive director role seven years ago, she said she had “big shoes to fill,” following the organization’s founder, Maryann “Miki” Gudermuth, who built SADI from the ground up and served as its only director for decades.

Since taking on the role, Thompson has led several major initiatives that expanded SADI’s reach across southeast Missouri.

In 2019, the organization launched a day program for adults over 18 with special needs — a shift from its previous focus primarily on physical disabilities. The program has since grown to serve nearly 40 participants.

“That really allowed us to expand into the community in a way we hadn’t before,” Thompson said.

Her personal connection to the work also helped shape that expansion. Thompson said her grandson was diagnosed with autism at a young age and benefited from applied behavior analysis therapy, which significantly improved his ability to communicate and live independently.

Seeing both the impact of those services and the financial strain they placed on families, Thompson helped create the GAPS program — Giving Autistic Parents Support — to provide financial assistance for therapy and related needs.

“We knew a lot of families wouldn’t be able to afford it,” she said. “We wanted to help make life a little easier.”

That program later helped lead to the development of the day program, further broadening SADI’s services.

Under Thompson’s leadership, SADI also received national recognition. In 2023, the organization was named a Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award recipient, receiving $350,000. The funding helped build a new garden area for program participants and support additional improvements.

Most recently, Thompson helped launch an inclusive driving school — the first of its kind in southeast Missouri. The program teaches individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or require hand controls, as well as individuals with autism, how to drive.

“Southeast Missouri didn’t have anything like that,” Thompson said. “Now we’re able to offer those opportunities here.”

Reflecting on her time as director, Thompson said her goal was simple: to leave the organization better than she found it.

“I feel like I achieved that,” she said. “We’ve expanded services, added programs, and built a strong team.”

Thompson said she is confident in the organization’s future, with current Director of Independent Living Services Ashley Blakey set to take over as executive director.

“She’s going to do a terrific job,” Thompson said. “I’m excited to sit back and see what’s next.”

While she steps away from her leadership role, Thompson said she leaves knowing the organization is in a strong position to continue serving the community.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity,” she said. “I’m just happy to walk away and know it’s in good hands.”