Tom Masseau has over 30 years of experience advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Prior to arriving at Disability Rights Arkansas 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 serves as the President-Elect on the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) Board of Directors, and as a member of the National Association of Rights Protection and Advocacy (NARPA) Board of Directors. Most recently, Tom was elected to serve as a National Advisor for the Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) 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. He was also a member of the Youth Justice Reform Board. While in Michigan, Tom served as a Township Trustee in Lansing Township from 2000 to 2012. Tom is married to Penny and they have three boys. They make their home in Maumelle.