Cristal Thomas was appointed vice president for community health engagement at the University of Chicago School of Medicine and special assistant to the vice president for civic engagement at the University of Chicago. Since 2011, she has been serving as deputy governor of the state of Illinois. Previously, she was a regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In her new role, Thomas will foster relationships between the university, the medical campus and South Side residents. She also will lead efforts to improve the health and wellness of the people of Chicago.
Thomas is a graduate of Ohio State University, where she majored in molecular genetics. She holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago.
