Harritte Thomas Thompson

Heading: Harritte T. Thompson Dateline: Greer Harritte T. Thompson began her CIA career in 1952, serving in CIA clandestine operations for 38 years, died December 1, 2013 in Greer, S.C. Throughout 38 years of service to the Agency and the Directorate of Operations she was known for exceptional leadership, integrity, and exemplary achievement as an innovator and manager in the field of operations and resource management. Initially she served in management positions; in the Directorate of Operations East Asia Division. There she was the principle innovator of an East Asia Operation Evaluation and resource management system responsive to the congressional requirements. In 1977 she joined the Directorate senior evaluation and resource management staff to assist in the implementation of the system worldwide. She became Directorate Comptroller, Chief of the Staff in 1985 until her retirement in 1989. She represented Directorate equities and resource interests with senior Agency officials, Congress, the Office of Budget and Management and the Intelligent Community. She had the reputation of being tough but fair and her leadership style was one of respect, consideration and kindness. She was referred to, at times, as the Iron Lady. She traveled to more than 36 countries meeting with agency and agency counterparts to enhance Agency activities. She was a valued advisor to generations of senior operations officers, a trusted partner to Oversight Committees and a seasoned teacher to foreign liaison officers. At her retirement in 1989, she was one of only two women in the Directorate of Operations to receive the Distinguished Intelligence Medal and attain super grade status. She spent an additional year as a consultant to the Office of the Director. In September 2001, a Chair was dedicated to her for Operations Evaluation and Resource Management in a ceremony shared with the Dedication of a Chair to Allen Dulles for Intelligence. At that time she was the only woman to receive this honor. She joined only four others so honored, all DCJS, including former Directors George H. W. Bush and Richard Helms. A native of S.C., she and her late husband, G. Gates Thompson, settled in Greer, S.C. in 1991. There she was active in community service programs and the Camellia Garden Club, serving as its President from 2001-2003. She was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Thompson was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Thomas. She is survived by one sister, Charlene Shealy of Greer; Martha Pettit and Julia Dobson predeceased her. After a Memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Memorial United Methodist Church, with visitation following the service at the church, she will be interred with her husband, a WWII US Marine Veteran, in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrance may be made to American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Suite A, Greenville, S.C. 29615. Online condolences may be at www.thewoodmortuary.com