Leading Anti-Poverty Think Tank PuLSE Taps Pioneering Journalist Bankole Thompson as Chairman of its Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of The PuLSE Institute, Detroit's national anti-poverty think tank, announces future-focused leadership ahead of 10-year anniversary

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:25am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of books, a gavel, and a pair of eyeglasses arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the legal expertise and advocacy work of The PuLSE Institute.The PuLSE Institute's new leadership team brings a wealth of legal expertise and a steadfast commitment to economic justice and anti-poverty advocacy.Today in Detroit

The Board of Directors of The PuLSE Institute, Detroit's national anti-poverty and economic justice think tank, has elected Bankole Thompson, the nationally acclaimed journalist and standard-bearer for economic justice issues, to serve on the Board and named him the new Chairman. The Board also elevated Attorney Tina M. Patterson, the President and Director of Research, to become President and General Counsel given her significant legal expertise as a nationally recognized voice on the intersection of public policy and jurisprudence.

Why it matters

The PuLSE Institute has become a major economic justice bully pulpit through convening thought leaders, social change advocates and captains of industry to address the issues of poverty and inequality. The new leadership changes will help the organization continue its mission of fighting for dignity, fairness and economic justice as it prepares for its 10-year anniversary.

The details

The Board of Directors of The PuLSE Institute voted to elect Bankole Thompson, the founder and dean of the Institute, to the Board. Thompson, a nationally acclaimed journalist and standard-bearer for economic justice issues, was also named the new Chairman of the Board, replacing longtime and founding Chairman Dr. C. Paschal Eze. The Board also elevated Attorney Tina M. Patterson, the President and Director of Research, to become President and General Counsel given her significant legal expertise as a nationally recognized voice on the intersection of public policy and jurisprudence.

  • The Board of Directors of The PuLSE Institute met recently to institute new organizational changes and future-focused leadership direction.
  • The PuLSE Institute is preparing for its landmark 10-year anniversary on July 4, 2028.

The players

Bankole Thompson

The founder and chairman of the board of directors of The PuLSE Institute, a nationally acclaimed journalist and standard-bearer for economic justice issues.

Tina M. Patterson

The President and General Counsel of The PuLSE Institute, a nationally recognized legal expert whose work has been cited in prestigious legal journals.

Dr. C. Paschal Eze

The longtime and founding Chairman of the Board of Directors of The PuLSE Institute.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot reinforce inequality. Every major voice in this era from the late Pope Francis to Pope Leo has underscored that noble truth that if we are committed to justice, we must defend the vulnerable.”

— Bankole Thompson, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, The PuLSE Institute

“Attorney Tina Patterson is one of the great legal minds of this era who understands how to use litigation and advocacy to challenge the forces that keep people in endemic poverty and persistent inequality. We are honored to have her continue to lead the crucial work of The PuLSE Institute but in this time as President and General Counsel.”

— Bankole Thompson, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, The PuLSE Institute

“I commend the Board for its decision and wisdom in electing our founder Bankole Thompson to the Board and naming him the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. His irreplaceable voice and unwavering commitment will undoubtedly continue to powerfully serve and carry out our mission, especially as we move forward toward greater expansion, influence, and impact.”

— Tina M. Patterson, President and General Counsel, The PuLSE Institute

What’s next

The PuLSE Institute is preparing for its landmark 10-year anniversary on July 4, 2028, and the new leadership changes will help the organization continue its mission of fighting for dignity, fairness and economic justice.

The takeaway

The PuLSE Institute's new leadership, with Bankole Thompson as the Chairman of the Board and Tina M. Patterson as the President and General Counsel, will help the organization expand its influence and impact as a leading voice in the fight against poverty and inequality.