Making an impact has been a consistent theme in PJ Thompson’s life and work. As the Chief Financial Officer at Country Club Bank, PJ was raised in a family committed to service and compassion. His father and grandfather modeled the values of integrity, trust, and giving back to the community — principles that have shaped PJ’s approach to leadership. 

As such, it’s likely no surprise to those who know him that The Independent named him a Rising Star for his dedication to improving lives in Kansas City. “My father is still very involved in the community,” PJ said. “The main thing my grandfather taught me was that with charitable work, it’s not about recognition.”

PJ’s early foundation of service carried into college, where a fundraising role at Creighton University sparked his passion for leadership and helping others. Since then, he has used his talents to raise funds for medical research, support underserved families and children, empower small businesses, and mentor the next generation of community leaders. 

Along with his family’s values of service, PJ’s charitable work has been influenced by personal experiences and the losses of loved ones. In 2016, his longtime friend Max Ward passed away from cardiovascular complications. He was just 28 years old. To honor Max’s memory, PJ and a group of friends co-founded the Maxwell T. Ward Foundation in 2017 to address gaps in pediatric heart health care. The Foundation supports underserved youth with lifesaving heart screenings and families with critical needs. These efforts are supported by individual donations and proceeds from the annual Xamslam beach volleyball tournament. PJ remains involved in organizing these events and personally raises funds to ensure the Foundation’s ongoing success.

This drive to honor his friend and make a difference took on an even deeper meaning in 2021, when PJ experienced the loss of another dear friend, Zach Perry, whose life was cut short by lymphoblastic leukemia. That same year, a casual acquaintance invited him to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year fundraiser. Despite challenges like the pandemic and his growing family, PJ was driven to honor Zach’s legacy. He leaned into the challenge with creative fundraising efforts, including virtual wine tastings and social media campaigns. “I didn’t know how it would turn out,” he said. “I’d never done something at that scale individually before.” By the end of the 10-week campaign, PJ surpassed $100,000 — more than double his original goal. This earned him second place in the competition and, more importantly, cemented Zach’s legacy in the fight against leukemia.

Beyond healthcare, PJ’s commitments extend to other community support initiatives, such as his volunteer work with Kansas City GIFT (Generating Income for Tomorrow). This organization provides grants and technical support to Black-owned businesses in low-income areas. The goal is to create jobs and transform economically disadvantaged neighborhoods into hubs of opportunity. PJ’s efforts with GIFT, where he mentors entrepreneurs and promotes donations, align with his and Country Club Bank’s shared mission to uplift the community.

For those close to PJ, his dedication to equity and opportunity reflects his deeply held beliefs. As his friend Ben McAnany said, “His motives are driven by his belief in loving those in need and those who deserve justice in our society.”

PJ has taken on leadership roles as a member of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Program. During his time in the program, PJ co-chaired the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, where he organized events and discussions to promote understanding and action around key DEI issues.

Meanwhile, as a leader at Country Club Bank, PJ inspires others to join him in making a difference. During his tenure as co-chair of the bank’s Team Impact program, PJ expanded volunteer opportunities for associates and deepened their connections to local non profits. Initiatives like Casual Fridays and non-profit presentations during staff meetings have raised thousands of dollars for local charities. Team Impact has supported organizations from Harvesters and Sleepyhead Beds to the Giving Grove. PJ’s leadership has mobilized hundreds of volunteer hours and created a culture of service within the bank.

Despite his many accomplishments, PJ is quick to shift the spotlight to others who share his passion for service. “There are so many people in this city doing amazing things. Anybody who is a volunteer — anybody who is a fundraiser — deserves recognition and praise. The work they are doing is important and amazing,” PJ said.

Featured in the December 14, 2024 issue of The Independent
Photo Credit: Tom Styrkowicz
By: Monica V. Reynolds