Tom joined Elevate as President and CEO in October 2019 leading the vision to make Rapid City a desirable place to live, work and visit. He has more than two decades of experience in economic development and credits a certain adrenaline rush of attracting new businesses to his longevity in community growth. He now enjoys watching as his team members feel that same excitement.

Before taking over the helm of Elevate, Tom worked as the director of community engagement and economic development at Colorado State University. He also spent many years with the Wyoming Business Council. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Wyoming and a master’s in Finance and Accounting from Regis University.

Tom is also a screenwriter and poet with more than 200 published pieces. He makes sure to write a poem every day. He has two sons, Tristan, 23, and Trajan,18, both who live in Wyoming.