Technology is the quiet force that powers our programs and services. Behind every laptop, phone, and server is the steady hand of our Director of IT, Thomas Coulter. Thomas makes sure that the tools we rely on everyday work, even when resources are limited and equipment isn’t always top of the line. His calm presence, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to customer service allow our team to focus on what matters most: supporting our community.

Thomas’s journey to EPHC began in an unexpected way: a LinkedIn post his wife spotted. What started as a “worth a shot” job application turned into an opportunity that felt like home. Coming from a background in corporate IT, Thomas was drawn to the chance to contribute his skills in a culturally specific nonprofit.

“I may not be Latino, but I really value working in an environment where people of color lead and shape the work… I feel connected to the mission because my role supports the people who, in turn, support the community.”

For the last three years, Thomas has led important transitions for the organization, including bringing IT services fully in-house after relying on an external contractor. He’s also proud of moments where he gets to share his love of presenting, bringing humor and personality into leadership meetings and trainings

But Thomas is candid about challenges, too. Working with limited budgets means making every dollar stretch – whether that’s finding the most reliable equipment within tight constraints or fine-tuning each machine so staff can deliver services without disruption.

“Technology is the backbone of how we serve families … even when budgets are small, my role is to maximize performance and keep things running.”

What sets Thomas apart isn’t just his technical skill, but his philosophy: customer service comes first. A former radio announcer and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Thomas brings a unique perspective to IT.

“If I can’t solve a problem right away, I make sure I have a plan … people forgive delays when they know they can trust you.”

As we celebrate IT Professionals’ Day in 2025, we’re grateful for Thomas’s dedication, creativity, and steady presence. His work may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is front and center helping us stay connected so we can serve more than 32,000 people in our community each year.

Thank you, Thomas, for making technology feel human, reliable, and deeply connected to our mission!