Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced her pick to head up the City of Omaha's Human Rights and Relations department.
On Tuesday, Stothert revealed that she has selected former City Council member Dr. Franklin Thompson as the new HRR director for the city. Thompson represented District 6 on the city council from 2001 until this year when e decided not to run for re-election.
Stothert said Thompson is a great fit to head the department due to his field of expertise. “I have worked with Dr. Thompson for eight years, first as colleagues on the Omaha City Council and later as mayor. He has the unique mix of professional, academic and management skills to assist citizens and lead the staff of the Human Rights and Relations Department.”
The purpose of the department is to investigate all discrimination complaints and civil rights violations submitted to the city, as well as promoting diversity and providing academic support to several boards and commissions. The department is also involved in the Small and Emerging Business program and monitors city contracts for compliance with the city’s economic inclusion requirements.
Dr. Thompson has an extensive background in education, human relations and counseling. He has taught at the University of Nebraska at Omaha since 1993 and holds an M.S. in Counseling Psychology, an Ed.S. to be a school principal and an Ed.D. in school superintendency. Thompson has also facilitated national workshops on race relations, human relations and multicultural education.