Welcome to Episode 63 of The Darlington Podcast!
In this episode, Julia Thomas ('07, LD '15) chats with Thomas Bethel, Darlington parent and member of the Board of Trustees. They discuss Bethel's involvement at the school, and he encourages other parents and community members to get involved. He goes on to share about his career and offers to be a resources for Darlington students and alumni who are interested in pursuing a career in banking.
Julia Thomas ('07, LD '15) returned to her alma mater to serve as director of annual giving in 2015. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Georgia. Prior to her work in Darlington's Advancement Office, Julia was an intern here and also spent two years as an annual giving officer at the University of Georgia School of Law. She had additional internships in Zoo Atlanta's Advancement Office and in Congressman Paul C. Broun's District Office. In college, Julia volunteered as a student telefundraiser and was named a Consistent Top 5 Caller for raising over $50,000 per year.
Thomas Bethel is the senior vice president of commercial banking at Truist in Atlanta, Ga. Prior to his work at Truist, he served as senior vice president of commercial banking at BBVA Compass and Bank of America. Bethel previously served on the Board of Trustees at Pace Academy, where he was very involved with the academy's "Aim High" Campaign that raised $32 million for a new upper school building. He is also a former member of the Reinhardt University Board of Trustees. While Bethel did not attend Darlington himself, many of his family members did, including his grandfather, Wilbur A. Bethel, a life trustee. He holds a B.S. in finance from Auburn University. He and his wife, Jenny, have two daughters, Kate and Margaret, and a son, Thomas ('23).
Every member of the Darlington Community has countless Darlington connections, especially in the work world. By supporting each other's careers and life goals, we are better connecting our students, alumni, parents, parents of alumni, and grandparents.
Click here to read more about how to get involved in Darlington Connects and email connect@darlingtonschool.org with questions.
The Darlington Podcast is a collaboration between the communication and advancement teams, and is hosted by various members of the school community. Episodes are released each Thursday morning and available on most podcast platforms (search for The Darlington Podcast in your podcast player). Once new episodes are posted, you'll also be able to find them at www.darlingtonschool.org/podcast. Please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so that you'll get the latest episode each week!
The Darlington Podcast intro music was written and performed by Elliot Luitwieler ('22) and Kathryn Davidson ('22). Carson Raymond, director of major gifts, lends his voice, and editing and production is handled by Maddie Fox, content manager.
If you have ideas for future episodes or have any questions about The Darlington Podcast, please email communications@darlingtonschool.org.
