Thomas Kurmann
Vice President of Resource Development
“With nearly one-third of the global population living in poverty, I am proud and honored to serve Oxfam’s mission to end the injustice of poverty by addressing its root causes and the immediate humanitarian needs locally. Inspiring people to join our fight for systemic change and support our journey is my passion.”
Thomas leads Oxfam America’s Resource Development division, which aims to grow revenue and supporters in the competitive and disrupted landscape of US philanthropy.
Thomas joins Oxfam America with 16 years of senior management team experience leading Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders’ fundraising efforts in the US, Germany, and Switzerland, and supervising fundraising development in Mexico. Throughout his career, he has contributed to raising more than $2.5 billion.
Thomas is teaching fundraising at academic institutions in Switzerland and is a recognized speaker at fundraising conferences in the US and overseas on topics such as strategy and donor journey mapping, creation of business canvas and value proposition models, innovation and behavioral economics.
Before his fundraising career, Thomas worked as a freelance journalist and public relations professional, and as a dramaturg for a theater. He holds a master’s degree in Italian literature, philosophy, and psychology from the University of Zurich, and professional certificates in design thinking and corporate social responsibility.