Born in Ohio, after graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, and mathematics from Carnegie Mellon, Tom moved to Silicon Valley in 1986 and settled in Palo Alto in 1995. His career in tech innovation reflected the Silicon Valley dream, working in startups, some of which he founded, and large companies like Google, Intel and Electronic Arts.
Tom has been active in the Palo Community, serving 2 terms on the Palo Alto city council and as Mayor in 2021. He is active with several community non-profit organizations in addition to the Palo Alto Museum. Tom’s mother taught history, and always made sure the family’s trips included historic sites, instilling a lifelong love of it in her son.