A thermal connector for use with a printed circuit board assembly is disclosed. The thermal connector includes a top segment configured for thermal engagement with a heat source disposed on a top surface of a printed circuit board and for insertion through an opening of the printed circuit board to thermally engage the heat source. A middle segment of the thermal connector extends from the top segment and includes a flanged portion configured to engage a bottom surface of the printed circuit board when the top segment is inserted through the opening of the printed circuit board. A bottom segment of the thermal connector extends from the middle segment and is configured for thermal engagement to a heat dissipating element.