Tom was raised in Rifle as the third of four boys. A 2001 Boettcher Scholar, he graduated from Rifle High School.
He attended the University of Colorado Boulder where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. Among many activities, Tom participated in the Presidents Leadership Class and studied abroad in the Semester at Sea Program.
After his undergraduate years, Tom spent some time in Washington, D.C., first as a White House Intern and later in the Solicitor’s Office at the Department of the Interior as a law student. He graduated from law school at the University of Arizona before returning to Colorado to start his legal career.
Tom is currently a partner at the firm of Spencer Fane LLP where he specializes in special districts and local government law, working with Colorado cities, counties, local governments and private parties on the formation and use of special taxing entities to support public infrastructure and services. Tom’s favorite part of his job is collaborating with individuals who are committed to supporting and enhancing their local governments through public service, while helping them drive meaningful change.
Tom previously served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Natural Resources and Environment Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. As a member of the Water Resources, and Federal and Interstate Water Units, he represented the state of Colorado in water rights litigation, water conservation projects, and environmental issues throughout the Colorado River Basin. Tom and his wife live in Jefferson County with their two young children. They are constantly on the go, spending time with family and friends near and far, playing sports, biking, skiing, and traveling whenever they can.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Everyone should have the opportunity at least once in their lifetime to fly low over Colorado on a clear, blue sky day in a window seat. There is just no better way to take in the immensity of our state and the dramatic variations between the plains, the peaks, the river valleys, the high desert, and everything in between. From high above you can’t help but ponder and respect the tremendous amount of time, and force, that it took to sculpt such natural beauty, and it gives you a real appreciation for how unique our state is and how fortunate we are to call it home.
Favorite Quote:
Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given. Luke 12:48
Fun Fact:
I am a fifth generation Coloradan and my children are sixth generation!
