Lori Thomas, Ph.D.

Dr. Lori Thomas is the Executive Director of the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and Charlotte Regional Data Trust – an integrated data system operated by the Urban Institute. She is also an Associate Professor of Social Work at UNC Charlotte. Thomas oversees and leads the work of community-engaged researchers and graduate students and facilitates use of linked administrative data by faculty researchers and community organizations.

A Tennessee native, Thomas holds a Ph.D. in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her work has included multiyear projects to address systemic problems such as homelessness, using quantitative and qualitative research to find solutions.