Raleigh, N.C. (October 15, 2024) – Swing Racquet + Paddle, the first multi-racquet + paddle Sportstainment™ facility, has appointed Donald Thompson to its advisory board. Thompson brings a wealth of experience in business advisory and development, further strengthening Swing’s leadership team.
Thompson is the co-founder and CEO of the Diversity Movement, a data-driven strategic partner for organization-wide diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Under his leadership, the organization grew to 150 clients in just two years.
“We are excited to welcome Donald Thompson to our board of advisors, his experience building workplace culture makes him a valuable asset to any team,” said Rob Autry, founder and CEO of Swing. “His extensive experience and knowledge will help build an equitable culture alignment for Swing’s workplace environment which is a strategic aspect of our overall vision.”
Thompson is revered for his success in building culture-centric businesses and empowering start-ups with the tools to succeed. His appointment is a strategic move to enhance employee engagement, accessibility and community involvement as key elements of the organization’s growth strategy.
Thompson has built an extraordinary career spanning diverse industries – from tech sales and IT leadership to digital marketing and pioneering DEI programming – while serving on more than a dozen boards including chair of the Board of Directors for Earfluence and vice chair of the Board of Directors for Easterseals PORT Health North Carolina and Virginia. He also serves on the ECU Health Medical Center Board of Trustees and NC State University’s Computer Science Department Strategic Advisory Board.
He also provides leadership as board chair of Walk West, a full-service marketing and branding agency noted as one of the fastest-growing agencies in North Carolina. Thompson’s willingness to provide expertise in different industries further reflects his commitment to advancing culture-centric philosophies for winning in the marketplace.
“I am honored to join Swing’s advisory board, as a racquet sports enthusiast with a passion for building businesses, this partnership is a perfect opportunity,” said Donald Thompson. “I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to help drive the vision forward and partner with a team that supports health and well-being for everyone.”
Swing’s flagship location is a 44-acre campus located in Raleigh, N.C. The completed Swing campus will serve up tennis, pickleball, padel, ping pong, and beach tennis courts side-by-side with retail and an exciting food and beverage concept. To learn more about Swing, please visit SwingNC.com.
About Swing
Swing Racquet + Paddle, led by entrepreneur Rob Autry and business partner Jason DeGroff, is the first multi-racquet + paddle Sportstainment™ facility designed to scale nationwide and will feature a 44-acre flagship campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. The flagship location, slated for completion 2026, will be the largest, next-generation racquet sports facility in the world. Swing is a place that combines the best in racquet + paddle courts, tournament play, sports fitness, technology, and Eatertainment- all while creating players with a lifelong love of the game. More than a facility, Swing is an experience. An approachable and fun way to play. A place that brings people together through a common connection centered on sustainability, social good, and inclusion. Swing has previously announced Wilson Sporting Goods as a leading sponsor. For more information, please visit www.SwingNC.com.
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