SAM Strengthens Leadership Team: Announces Appointments of Beth Thompson as Chief Impact Officer and Dianne Crocker as Chief Financial Officer

Spartanburg, SC  – The Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM), is pleased to announce two key appointments to its leadership team. Beth Thompson has been promoted to the position of Chief Impact Officer, while Dianne Crocker joins as Chief Financial Officer.

Beth Thompson has been a valuable member of SAM since 2014, previously serving as the Data Manager. Her exceptional skills, dedication, and significant contributions to SAM have led to her well-deserved promotion as Chief Impact Officer. In this role, Thompson will oversee and coordinate all aspects of SAM's impact and evaluation initiatives while overseeing SAM’s

John T. Wardlaw Institute for Continuous Improvement.  Her strategic vision and innovative thinking will drive the organization's mission forward, ensuring measurable and sustainable outcomes for the programs, organizations, and communities SAM serves.

"I am happy to congratulate Beth Thompson on her promotion to Chief Impact Officer," said Dr. Russell Booker, Chief Executive Officer at SAM. "Beth's unwavering commitment to SAM's mission and her outstanding leadership qualities made her the ideal candidate for this role. I have complete confidence in her ability to drive positive change and maximize SAM's impact."

Joining the SAM team as Chief Financial Officer, Dianne Crocker brings a wealth of financial management experience to the organization. With her expertise in budgeting, cost-management, and strategic planning, Crocker will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations at SAM. Her guidance and strategic decision-making will ensure alignment with SAM's ambitious growth plans, including the

execution of Movement 2030, a comprehensive seven-year strategic plan focused on early childhood development, post-secondary outcomes, and place-based work. 

"Dianne Crocker's appointment as Chief Financial Officer is a significant addition to our team," commented Dr. Russell Booker. "Her extensive background in financial management, budgeting, and strategies will be invaluable as we continue to advance SAM's mission and work towards transformative educational outcomes. We are thrilled to welcome her aboard."

Prior to joining SAM, Crocker served as the Vice President for Finance and Business at Converse University, where she held various finance roles over the past 12 years. Her experience also includes working in the private sector as an accountant, auditor, and staff accountant. Crocker's diverse background and passion for SAM's work make her an exceptional fit for the organization.

Dianne Crocker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Wofford University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She assumed her role as Chief Financial Officer at SAM on May 1.