- Plano Independent School District
- Homepage
James "Dudie" Thomas Named 2023 Plano Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year
October 2, 2023
The Plano Chamber of Commerce named James Thomas their 2023 Citizen of the Year. James has deeply woven himself into the heart of Plano. He's been a teacher, coach, and worked in important roles in our schools. Right now, he's the one in charge of student services in Plano ISD. For 13 years, he's also been a McKinney-Vento/Foster Care Liaison & Community Services Coordinator, helping those experiencing homelessness receive the resources they need to succeed in and outside the classroom.
While there are countless stories about the impact he's made, he remains a humble and dedicated presence, working tirelessly every single day. Let's come together to celebrate James Thomas — a person who genuinely embodies what it means to be an integral part of Plano.
Thomas is the second Plano ISD representative to win the award in the past three years, as Plano ISD Board Secretary Jeri Chambers was named Citizen of the Year in 2020. She stated, “We are blessed in Plano to truly be a community of excellence. That excellence is because of amazing public servants like Coach Thomas. He is a timeless champion of students, families and everyone he encounters. All our lives are better because of Coach Thomas."