Meet SHLB’s Newest Team Members: Henery and Elle

We’re excited to introduce two new members of the SHLB team: Henery Wyand, our new Operations Assistant & Events Coordinator, and Elle Thompson, our new Member Engagement & Program Coordinator. Each brings a unique background and a strong commitment to SHLB’s mission of expanding broadband access for anchor institutions across the country.

Let’s get to know them:

Henery Wyand

Operations Assistant & Events Coordinator

Henery comes to SHLB with nearly a decade of experience planning and managing events of all kinds—from galas and award shows to conferences and opening nights. A trained theatre artist and administrator, he’s passionate about creating spaces where people can be their true selves.

Henery has worked professionally as a director in DC, Off-Broadway, and regionally, earning a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Outstanding Direction of a Play. Before joining SHLB, he served as Engagement and Events Associate at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, supporting their development team with events like First Looks and Opening Nights.

His resume includes roles at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, MCC Theatre, and Adirondack Theatre Festival. He’s also studied at the National Theatre Institute and even attended clown school in London—a creative detail we couldn’t leave out.

Henery holds a B.A. in Drama from Vassar College and brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to our operations and events.

Elle Thompson

Member Engagement & Program Coordinator

Elle brings a strong background in nonprofit strategy, policy, and communications to her role supporting SHLB’s members and engagement programs. She’s passionate about building relationships, organizing systems, and advocating for better infrastructure policy, making her a great fit for SHLB’s work.

Before joining SHLB, Elle served as Executive Assistant to the President of Third Way, where she supported senior leadership, donors, and board members. She also held internships in campaign finance and on Capitol Hill, and previously worked as a Project Coordinator for the digital media consulting firm CakeWorks.

Elle is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in Political Science and English. While there, she rewrote the student government constitution, co-edited the campus literary magazine, and directed a production of Much Ado About Nothing. Her student journalism has even been referenced in The Atlantic and cited on Wikipedia.

Outside of work, Elle enjoys reading speculative fiction, trying new restaurants around D.C., and writing a weekly political and cultural newsletter at ellexamines.substack.com. She lives in D.C. with two close friends and their cat, Banjo.

Please join us in welcoming Elle and Henery to SHLB! We're lucky to have them on board as we continue working to close the digital divide one anchor institution at a time.