About me
Jane Thompson
President, A Gift For Teaching
Jane has been actively involved in the non-profit sector for the past 35 years, both as a Development Director and in an executive capacity. In April of 2004, Jane joined A Gift For Teaching as the Director of Development and after a national search, was chosen as the organization’s new president in February 2006, succeeding its founder, Gary Landwirth.
She is responsible for providing the overall strategic leadership and vision to A Gift For Teaching, (AGFT) by cultivating financial and community support. Under her tenure as president, the organization has been recognized for its environmental sustainability, marketing and public relations campaigns and developing innovative programs. In May 2026, AGFT will celebrate a defining milestone that reflects decades of collective impact, generosity and commitment by reaching $200 million in distributed school supplies powered by a community that believes in teachers and students.
Jane began her career in development management roles with the United Way of Ottawa-Canada and Heart of Florida United Way, committing more than 12 years to the organization. From there, she served as Campaign Director for the Orlando Museum of Art, leading the exhibition campaign for the Imperial Tombs of China and then joined the creative firm Magic Pencil Studios as an Account Executive. Jane founded and managed Red Door Properties, a real estate rehabilitation firm in which she combined her management skills with her creative interests and artistic background.
Jane has served on advisory boards in Central Florida including United Arts, and the board of The Kids In Need Foundation, a national non-profit that secures product donations from major retailers, manufacturers and distributors to support the National Network of Teacher Resource Centers, of which AGFT is a charter member. She co-chaired the Nominating Committee and helped recruit board members from BIC, 3M and Fidelity Investments.
Born in Ottawa, Canada, she studied interior design at Algonquin College (Ottawa). Jane has lived in Orlando FL since 1992 with her husband Paul, and recently adopted two cats, brothers Baz and Sid.
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