Biography

A life-long resident of Howard Township, Centre County, Pa., Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson was first elected to represent Pennsylvania’s Fifth District in the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2008 and sworn in to his second term on January 5, 2011.

Prior to being elected to Pennsylvania’s most rural district, Congressman Thompson spent 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager and a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Through his professional experiences, GT has touched the lives of thousands of individuals facing life altering conditions. As a result, GT has learned firsthand the importance of access to quality healthcare and has become a strong advocate for increased access, affordability, quality of care, and patient choice. He currently is Co-Chairman of the Congressional Healthcare Caucus. 

A 30-year veteran of the Juniata Valley Boy Scout Council, GT was the Council's President during 2007-2009. He has enriched the lives of young men throughout Central Pennsylvania.  Among just 2,000 presented since 1969, in 2012 Rep. Thompson received the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

GT is also a former member of the Bald Eagle Area School Board and is past vice-chair of the Private Industry Council of the Central Corridor. Because of these experiences, in 2008 he was appointed to the House Committee on Education & Workforce.  Thompson also currently serves as Co-Chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus.

A community leader and a volunteer firefighter, with three decades of service, GT is acutely aware of the challenges facing Pennsylvania communities. As a member of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Education & Workforce Committees, GT is in a unique position to bring his expertise and knowledge to bear on the issues facing rural businesses, communities, and families, in order to improve the lives of the citizens of the Fifth District. In addition, during the 112th Congress, GT will serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy & Forestry

Congressman Thompson is a proud graduate of Penn State and Temple Universities, where he earned a B.S. and a Masters in Education, respectively. He and his wife Penny Ammerman Thompson have three adult sons, Parker, Logan, and Kale. The Thompsons reside in Howard Township with their dog Truman.