Biography
Biography
Tom has led the Oregon DMV since 2007, which is embarking upon a major transformation in customer service, business processes, and computer systems. Under his leadership, DMV has made substantial improvements in service delivery and customer satisfaction in the midst of hiring freezes, travel restrictions, span of control targets, position reductions, and salary freezes. Securing the necessary resources required persistence, persuasiveness, and a clear and compelling vision.
Tom worked 8-years in the state budget office early in his career, which provided an excellent training ground for both policy and budget analysis. He gained experience working with senior leaders in many diverse state agencies, and presented testimony at legislative hearings for both budget and policy bills. Tom supervised budget analysts for several years before accepting a Budget & Performance Measures Manager position with the State Employment Department.
After a year with Employment Department, Tom accepted a job rotation to the Oregon Department of Transportation in 1996 to assist with the DMV Reengineering Project. The project was under heavy criticism for cost overruns and poor results, and ended soon after a short re-planning phase. Tom was hired to lead the new IT Services Group that eventually merged with a program and policy group called DMV Program Services.
In 2007, Tom was named Acting DMV Administrator just as Governor Kulongoski signed an Executive Order changing eligibility for driver licenses and ID cards. The resulting “legal presence” standard was highly controversial, and the resulting rule-making and statutory changes were approved and implemented under Tom’s leadership. His appointment to DMV Administrator became official in March 2008.
Tom is active in the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators serving on many committees, task forces, and their Board of Directors. His roles included IT Committee Chair, Region IV President, AAMVA Treasurer, Nominating Committee Chair, and Executive Committee. Tom is a frequent invited speaker and facilitator at AAMVA conferences and workshops throughout the United States.