Human Relations - Director's Bio

Municiple Building Augusta
Human Relations

Director's Bio

Frank C. Thomas

Frank C. Thomas Frank Thomas is the Director of the Augusta, Georgia Human Relations Commission (HRC), a position he has held since 1981. Under Mr. Thomas’ leadership, the HRC has cultivated a partnership with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and developed a work-share agreement, under which the HRC investigates complaints of discrimination prohibited by federal laws. As Director he serves as a liaison between the people of Augusta, Georgia; the business community; and local, state and federal agencies.

Prior to his appointment as Director of the HRC, Mr. Thomas broke the color barrier and made history as the first African-American television journalist in Augusta, Georgia. During his illustrious 10-year career with WJBF Television, Mr. Thomas became one of the most highly regarded journalists in the area, covering some of the most controversial stories of the time. For his uncompromising commitment to excellence and hard-hitting reporting, he was twice awarded 1 st Place honors for news reporting from the West Augusta Rotary Club for the years 1976 and 1981.

Mr. Thomas received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force after 12 years of loyal service to his country.

Mr. Thomas is a highly sought after speaker for various community and civic organizations. His training and experience in conducting investigations, analyzing data and making judicious decisions also makes him a much in demand mediator. He has served as an arbitration member of the Better Business Bureau and received specialized training in investigative and settlement techniques, and conflict management. Mr. Thomas was also awarded a Certificate of Public Management for Levels I, II and III from the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Mr. Thomas is a graduate of Immaculate Conception Academy in Augusta, Georgia and the School of Radio and Television Broadcasting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has done additional work at the University of Maryland, Syracuse University and Augusta College.

Mr. Thomas has been publicly honored by numerous organizations. Some of his awards include Citizen of the Day from WRDW Radio, Exemplary Service from the Augusta Chapter of the Statewide Minority Advocacy Group for Alcohol and Drug Prevention, Citizen of the Year by The Seventh Day Adventist Church, and Father of the Year by Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church’s Men’s Club.