Since his son Thomas was first diagnosed with autism 26 years ago, Tom has spearheaded and supported many important community events to raise funds and further awareness for disabilities; including the first walk in South Florida to raise money for autism research – Walk Far for NAAR and the inaugural Tropical Nights fundraiser for UM CARD. He was also a founding Board member of the Autism Speaks South Florida Chapter and he co-chaired the 31st Annual American Red Cross Ball.

Tom created the non-profit “Work for America”, whose mission is to create employment opportunities for adults with autism and other Developmental Disabilities. He and his wife have been actively engaged and instrumental in co-founding Casa Familia, Inc. whose mission is to create a residential community for adults with IDD in South Florida.

Tom has received numerous awards including the UM CARD Community Leadership Award and the Ronald McDonald House, “Twelve Good Men” award. An Ohio native, Tom was a National Science Foundation Fellow and Alumnus of the University of Indiana, where he received his PhD in Mathematics. He is a long time member of the United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society; as well as a member of the President’s Circle at the University of Miami.

Tom is the managing director of the Whitehurst Advisory Group of Raymond James. Most importantly, he is the proud father of Christina and Thomas.