Commissioner Sharon Thomas

Sharon Thomas was born in St. Catherine, Jamaica and migrated to the United States at a young age. She grew up in New York, & Boston. The family transitioned to Florida in the 80’s.

Her love for community was always at the forefront, engaged in connecting resources to seniors, delivering food to the needy, advocating for those that are vulnerable & initiating programs to benefit the community. In the early years in Florida Sharon was the Sunday School teacher at Merrell United Methodist Church, and served on the members & hospitality board. Her motto is “attitude of servitude with gratitude.”

Sharon P. Thomas is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator, licensed nurse with a Certificate in Integrative Mental Health, and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration degree from Lowell University, and a Masters in Ministry from the University of Fort Lauderdale. Serves as an ordained Minister at The Faith Center Ministries with over 27 years of service. Served as the Director for Children’s Ministry, Oversight for Millennium, and on countless committees.

With over 37 years as a resident in this great "We Care" City of Lauderdale Lakes, Sharon has been a fixture in the Community and for her neighbors. She was the president of the Eastgate HOA for 8 years. She built consensus, connected across all levels of multicultural and multi- generational population, a problem solver, and met individuals at their need.  She and her husband Donnie have successfully raised 3 children in Lauderdale Lakes who share her same passion.

Sharon's passion to make a difference has served over 15 years working in the Health Department of Broward County School System caring for the children of our communities. Sharon wrote grants to get snacks for children coming to school without breakfast. She was recognized by the Broward County School board for Initiating the Asthma Gold level initiative for Eagle Point Elementary in Weston. She organized several health fairs at various school. Fund-raised for JDRF, and Alzheimer’s Association. Member of the Black Chamber of Commerce, and Elderly Services Resource Network.  Received recognition from The Kiwanis Club of Lauderdale Lakes, City of Lauderdale Lakes Small Business Honorary Plaque, & Lauderdale Lakes Local Government Academy.

Sharon Thomas has over 35 years of experience in the Healthcare Industry. Administrator in training for a 350 bed Nursing home in Miami involved in training, hiring, & budgeting.  She is the founder and director of SonRise Assisted Living & Health Foundation a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization based in Lauderdale Lakes. Sharon’s vision is to build a team of dedicated professionals, volunteers, sponsors, donor, community leaders, and mentors to help hundreds of seniors maintain a quality of life that is fulfilling in a warm, loving, and supportive “Home Away From Home” environment. 

Sharon's passion for healthcare and commitment to serving others, inspired her to organize the Annual Caregiver summit which supports senior caregivers, family members and the community with health resources and education. Her drive has led to a successful event now in its third year and is anticipated by many.

Sharon is married to Donnie Thomas, together they successfully raised 2 sons and 1 daughter, and have 3 grandchildren.

Contact Commissioner Thomas by email with questions and comments.