Directors and Managers

Tom has over 30 years of experience advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Prior to arriving at DRA in 2013, Tom served as the Executive Director of Disability Rights Wisconsin from January 2012 to February 2013. He worked at Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. (MPAS) since 1987, serving as the Director of Government & Media Relations from 2002 – 2012.Throughout his roles, he has provided strategic direction and leadership on public policy efforts at the state and federal levels, represented the agencies’ position and interest on issues before State legislatures and Congress, and coordinated the agencies’ media relations activities.

At the national level, Tom has served as the Vice-President and President on the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) Board of Directors. Currently, he serves as the board Treasurer. In addition, Tom is a member of the National Association of Rights Protection and Advocacy (NARPA) Board of Directors and serves as the Board Secretary. Recognizing that self-advocacy is the key to advancing any disability policy, Tom is also involved with the National Self Advocates Becoming Empowered organization.
In this role, he serves as a National Advisor for their Board of Directors.

On a state level, Tom serves on the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Arkansas Rehabilitation Council, and the Arkansas Supreme Court Commission on Children, Youth and Families. Tom is also involved in many state coalitions to advance disability rights in Arkansas.