New Board Members

Steve Cranford is CEO of Whisper, an international brand consultancy.  The firm creates competitive advantage for leaders seeking growth in market share, developing breakthrough market conversation for many of the world's leading brands.  Early in his career, Mr. Cranford was a trial lawyer and was appointed a Special Prosecutor.   Later in business, he led market development initiatives, co-managed public securities offerings, negotiated complex mergers and acquisitions, and led business integrations.  As a member of the executive team at Thorn Americas/Rent-A-Center, he helped propel the company into the leading U.S. rental-purchase retailer of consumer electronics and other household durables.  He later created an innovative retail concept, CakeBreaker, which became the number one destination for children's group occasions in greater St. Louis.  Mr. Cranford's service on corporate boards includes technology and retail companies.  He currently serves on three nonprofit boards and is Chairman of two, including Volunteer Center Orange County.

Julie Thomas is the executive director of the Volunteer Center of North Texas, which functions as a volunteer clearinghouse and service provider for more than 1,700 nonprofit organizations in Dallas, Tarrant and Collin Counties. Under her leadership, the Volunteer Center initiated the first criminal background checking system in Texas for volunteers and staff in nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations. Ms. Thomas also led in the development of a highly efficient regional structure for Volunteer Centers that serve North Texas. Prior to joining the Volunteer Center in 1987, Ms. Thomas directed the education department for The Greater Dallas Chamber where she helped design and implement the adopt-a-school program and a variety of other public education programs requiring strong business support. Her other professional experiences include teaching in the Chicago public schools and various communications and public relations positions.