Leila Thomas Joins CapDev as Senior Counsel

We are excited to introduce Leila Thomas, who joins our team as Senior Counsel.

Leila comes to CapDev with a strong background in philanthropy, strategy, and nonprofit finance, along with a track record of driving sustained revenue growth and building meaningful, mission-aligned relationships.

Prior to joining CapDev, Leila served as Vice President of Development & Strategy at Marbles Kids Museum, where she led Marbles’ first-ever capital campaign through a highly collaborative and community-centered effort, raising $9.1 million, exceeding their $8 million goal. In addition to directing the organization’s fundraising and strategic initiatives, Leila expanded corporate partnerships, individual giving, and foundation and government support, and played a key role in navigating funding challenges during the pandemic.

“Leila embodies what our clients seek in working with CapDev – experience, personal passion, dedication to serve and an unparalleled drive for success in everything she does,” said Allan Burrows, CEO of CapDev.

A Raleigh native Leila began her career as an analyst in the Private Bank at J.P. Morgan in San Francisco before transitioning to the nonprofit sector as a Financial Analyst at WestEd, a national education research organization. A graduate of Broughton High School, she earned a double major in Economics and Spanish from the University of Virginia. Leila lives in Raleigh with her husband, Sterling, and their two elementary-aged sons, Gilliam and Elliott. In her free time, Leila enjoys staying active, especially playing tennis, and soaking up the great ages of her children.

Learn more about our team HERE.

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