Pathways Community Center Welcomes New Executive Director, Taylor Thomas
April 15, 2025
Pathways Community Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor M. Thomas as its new Executive Director. With more than 12 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge, a servant’s heart, and a deep commitment to building a stronger, more connected community.
A native of Chester, South Carolina, Taylor’s career has been shaped by a lifelong dedication to service. From achieving the rank of Eagle Scout to receiving the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at Wofford College for his integrity and humanitarian service, Taylor has always led with compassion and purpose.
His professional journey began with the Boy Scouts of America, where he advanced from District Executive to Assistant Scout Executive, managing programs and community engagement efforts across six counties. Most recently, Taylor served as the Marketing & Development Manager for Hospice & Community Care, where he directed outreach, donor relations, and community initiatives that uplifted and comforted families during their most vulnerable moments.
Taylor’s leadership extends beyond his professional roles. He currently serves on the board of the York County Council on Aging and is an active member of his church, where he teaches Sunday School and serves as Treasurer. He also provides full-time care for his aunt, exemplifying his belief that service starts at home.
Taylor holds a B.A. in Business Economics from Wofford College and is currently pursuing his MBA at Winthrop University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Taylor to the Pathways family,” said Ben Ganson, Board Chair of Pathways. “His heart for people, strategic mindset, and commitment to collaboration align perfectly with our mission of reducing the impact of poverty and homelessness in our community.”
At Pathways, Taylor will lead the organization’s efforts to serve as a centralized hub for essential health and human services. By fostering collaboration among on-site partners, Pathways connects individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty with resources that support stability, dignity, and long-term self-sufficiency.
“I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” said Thomas. “Pathways is more than a place—it’s a lifeline. I look forward to working alongside our partners, staff, and community to make sure everyone has access to the support they need to thrive.”
With Taylor M. Thomas at the helm, Pathways Community Center enters a new chapter of leadership grounded in compassion, connection, and a bold vision for change.
Collective Impact in Action November was another month marked by meaningful movement and measurable impact across the Pathways campus. From on-site agencies delivering essential services to community partners offering their time, skills, and compassion, collaboration continued to open doors and change lives. Across the campus, we saw workforce readiness strengthening, individuals securing employment, neighbors accessing housing support, and guests engaging in health, recovery, and spiritual development opportunities—all working together to move people closer to self-sufficiency. In November, 44 new individuals entered the Pathways system for the first time, bringing our year-to-date totals to 535 intakes and 946 referrals. In addition, seven clients successfully transitioned to independent living during the fall—each milestone reflecting perseverance, coordinated support, and the power of collective impact. Every number represents a life. Every life reflects possibility. And every partnership strengthens the pathway forward for our community.
Collective Impact in Action October was another month filled with meaningful movement and measurable impact across the Pathways campus. From agencies providing essential services to community partners offering their time, skills, and compassion, collaboration continued to open doors and change lives. We witnessed powerful moments of progress—workforce readiness growing stronger, individuals securing employment, neighbors accessing housing support, and guests engaging in health, recovery, and spiritual development opportunities. Every effort worked together to move people closer to self-sufficiency. October also marked continued momentum for our Culinary Workforce Readiness Program, a partnership with York Technical College that is already expanding hope and opportunity through hands-on training, skill development, and clear pathways toward stable employment. In October alone, 44 new individuals entered the Pathways system for the first time—bringing us to 496 intakes year-to-date and 882 referrals year-to-date. This month, seven individuals successfully transitioned to independent living, each representing courage, perseverance, and the power of collective support. Every number tells a story. Every story reflects hope. And every act of partnership continues to build lasting change across our campus and community.
Collective Impact in Action September was a month overflowing with life-changing activity and impact across the Pathways campus. From on-site agencies offering critical services to community partners volunteering their time and talents, collaboration continues to transform lives. We witnessed powerful moments of progress—from workforce readiness and housing support to health, recovery, and personal development opportunities—all working together to move individuals toward self-sufficiency. This month also marked the official launch of the Culinary Workforce Readiness Program, a partnership between Pathways and York Technical College , expanding our vision of creating practical, hands-on pathways to stability and empowerment. In September alone, 48 new individuals entered the Pathways system for the first time, adding to a year-to-date total of 454 intakes and 827 referrals. Each number represents a story—of connection, of hope, and of the power of partnership to create lasting change.
