Troy, Mo. — After nearly four decades of visionary leadership and advocacy, Mary Sullivan-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Community Opportunities, has announced her retirement. Sullivan-Thomas will officially step down after marking 40 years of service championing inclusion, independence, and opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities in Lincoln County.
When Sullivan-Thomas joined Community Opportunities in 1986, the organization supported 13 clients with a staff of seven. Today, under her leadership, the agency has grown to serve more than 300 individuals and employs nearly 100 staff members, transforming from a small local program into a comprehensive community resource that changes lives every day.
Sullivan-Thomas’s tenure has been defined by groundbreaking initiatives and relentless dedication. Under her leadership:
- Community Opportunities was one of the first agencies to provide Individualized
Supported Living. - Supported Employment began in 1992, helping individuals find meaningful work in the
community. - CARF accreditation was achieved in 1993, and Community Opportunities has
maintained the highest level of accreditation ever since. - Helped launch LINC, a public transportation system for Lincoln County, in 2002
Beyond her organizational accomplishments, Sullivan-Thomas’s influence has been statewide. She has served on numerous committees for the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities, and held leadership roles in both MACDDS (Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services) and Starling, Missouri’s statewide provider association.
Locally, Sullivan-Thomas has been a pillar of community leadership, chairing Leadership Troy for decades through the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, and serving as Chair of the Domestic Violence Board, on the YMCA Committee for Lincoln County, the Lincoln County R-III Long Range Planning Committee, and the MoDOT Transportation Advisory Committee.
She also played a key role in the creation of Kiwanis Park, Troy’s first all-inclusive playground, ensuring that children of all abilities have a place to play, learn, and connect.
“In March 2026, I will mark 40 years as the leader of this remarkable organization. After thoughtful consideration, I believe this is the right time to retire and pass the torch to the next leader—someone who will guide the agency into the future with fresh vision, innovation, and a deep commitment to our mission. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this community. I have cherished watching our clients, staff, and community grow together. We are fortunate to have many long-term staff, a strong leadership team, and a dedicated board that will continue to shepherd the organization forward with confidence and care. I will miss my daily interactionswith everyone, and I will carry the memories and relationships with me. I look forward to traveling and spending more time with my family,” stated Sullivan-Thomas.
The Community Opportunities Board of Directors has retained EMD Consulting Group to conduct a nationwide search for the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. The Board is committed to ensuring a smooth transition that continues Thomas’s legacy of innovation, integrity, and inclusion.
For more information about Community Opportunities, visit www.commopps.org.
