Maya P. Thornton is the Historically Underutilized Business Operations Department director at the University of Houston. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Xavier University of Louisiana and a juris doctorate from Southern University Law Center. Prior to joining the University of Houston, Thornton was the procurement manager for Harris County Department of Education where her primary responsibility was to develop, administer, monitor, evaluate and implement report systems to support the continuous quality improvement for Internal Purchasing and Choice Partners.
Thornton is dedicated to fulfilling the university’s HUB mission of expanding business opportunities to minority, women and disabled veteran owned businesses, to have a positive impact on improving the local economy and to give back to the community. She is committed to the development of meaningful and mutually beneficial business relationships with diverse suppliers and recognizes the value these relationships add to any business.
Thornton prefers a hands-on approach, which includes direct company oversight, specific direction and making sure suppliers have what they need to succeed. She believes companies that decide they will not let supplier relationships fail will be in a good position to maximize the business relationship. Her mantra is “if you have failed, then so have I.”
When she is not working she enjoys traveling with her husband, Brian and two sons, Caleb and Caden. Her favorite quote is “they that will not be counselled cannot be helped”. It resonates in both her professional and personal life because it reminds her to always stay grounded and be receptive to new ideas and innovative thinkers.
Maya P. Thornton
Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Operations Department Director
University of Houston
A Carnegie-Designated Tier One Public
Research University
713-743-8269
mpthornton@uh.edu
