Senior Vice President, Consumer Products
Tom has more than 27 years of professional experience in public relations and marketing communications, and leads the firm’s consumer marketing communications practice. Since joining Padilla Speer Beardsley in 1981, Tom has applied his background in communications counsel, planning and implementation for a diverse group of local, national and international clients.
For consumer-products and service companies, Tom has planned and completed integrated campaigns, new product introductions, promotions and ongoing communications programs to internal, trade and consumer audiences. He has also conducted marketing-communication research, communications audits and image assessments to help clients navigate the strategic planning process. Tom’s clients have included 3M, General Mills, Cub Foods and the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
Tom received a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the University of Minnesota, with an emphasis in behavioral sciences. Prior to joining Padilla, he worked with the Minneapolis Public Library System public relations department and the University of Minnesota News Service.
Tom is an accredited and active member of the Public Relations Society of America, and served as Minnesota chapter president in 1993 and Midwest district director in 1998.
Tom is a member of the board of directors of Second Harvest Heartland, and formerly served on the executive committee of United Way of the St. Paul Area and on the board of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Tom has volunteered for many other organizations, including the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Harriett Tubman Center in Minneapolis.