Tim King and Darien Thompson will be the guest speakers for the Lunch & Lead series in January and February.

The free virtual speaker series is presented by the Leadership Institute and Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest.

King will speaking from noon to 12:45 p.m. Jan. 17. Interested attendees can register here.

King served as the executive director of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra from 2018 to 2023. During King’s tenure, the orchestra doubled their annual budget and tripled their number of subscriptions. They also raised $1.8 million during a fundraising drive.

King was the executive director of the Louisville Orchestra. He also worked with the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and the Jefferson County Public School System.

King earned a bachelor of music education degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a master of music degree from Unity of Louisville.

Thompson will speak from noon to 12:45 p.m. Feb. 21. Interested attendees can register here.

Thompson is the director of African American initiatives for enrollment management and student affairs at PNW. She is involved with recruitment, retention and professional development. She also plays a role with community engagement and belonging. Thompson is a co-chair of PNW’s cultural heritage committee. She leads efforts for MLK Day, Black History Month and Juneteenth.

Thompson previously worked at the Daniels School of Business on the West Lafayette campus. She is on the board of directors for the Purdue Black Alumni Association. Thompson was named staff member of the year by Purdue’s Black Caucus of Faculty and Staff.

Thompson earned her Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and MBA from PNW. A four-year letter winner for the PNW women’s basketball team, she was voted CCAC All-Conference.

The Lunch & Lead series was designed to help community and business leaders develop knowledge and skills. It helps to raise awareness of best practices from leaders across the Region.