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 in 2008 and sworn in to his fourth term on January 6, 2015.

Prior to being elected to Pennsylvania’s geographically largest congressional 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, he 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.

A 30+ year veteran of the Juniata Valley Boy Scout Council, GT has served as Scoutmaster, Council executive board member and Council president.  He has enriched the lives of youth throughout Central Pennsylvania. Among just 2,000 presented since 1969, Rep. Thompson received the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award in 2012.

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

A community leader and a volunteer firefighter with over three decades of service, GT is acutely aware of the challenges facing Pennsylvania communities. As a member of the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Education & Workforce Committees, Thompson 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. GT is serving his third term as Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation & Forestry. During the 114th Congress, he continues to serve as Co-Chairman for the bipartisan Congressional Natural Gas Caucus.  Additionally, GT co-chairs the German-American Caucus at a pivotal time of discussion on shared interests of security and trade between the two nations.

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 (pastor), Logan (soldier), and Kale (music teacher). GT and Penny reside in Howard Township with their 7 year old great-nephew Tyler and their dog Truman.