Thomas Smith

Seven-Time International and National Award-Winning Author, Thomas Smith has over thirty years of experience as an energetic leader and has built a deserved reputation as a thought leader and visionary regarding organizational development and the practices of leading and managing. He earned undergraduate degrees in economics and business management and his Master's of Science in Administration preparing him for leadership roles in local, state, national nonprofits and government entities. He is a graduate of the prestigious Stonier Graduate School of Banking, the preeminent executive management school for the financial services industry. In addition, after more than twenty five years in public service, Smith earned a graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management at the University of Pennsylvania's College of Liberal and Professional Studies. Enthusiastic. Compassionate. Committed. These words describe Thomas Smith. Thomas is a persuasive leader who aspires to make an impact on people and communities.

Thomas has been recognized for demonstrating humanitarian service at its highest level and an active civic leader. He has shown a generosity of spirit and has selflessly dedicated his time to serving others less fortunate while making a significant humanitarian contribution of volunteer leadership that benefits the lives of others and the welfare of humanity. Thomas has had a lasting imprint on his community by promoting universal rights at home by his leadership and volunteerism and received the 2015 Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Community Service Award. He was honored at the prestigious Palm Springs Pride Honors as 2014 Community Grand Marshal recognizing his positive and lasting impact in the region. Thomas has the rare distinction of being honored with the Presidential “Call to Service” Lifetime Achievement Award, national recognition for demonstrating a lifetime commitment to volunteerism. He was invested as an “Active Member of the Legion of Honor” by the Order of DeMolay. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and several other hereditary societies composed of those who trace their descents from forebears who served in establishing and gaining the independence of the United States. He is an Alumnus of Leadership Coachella Valley.

Thomas has enjoyed his involvement in Rotary International and believes that there can be no higher recognition than to incorporate the importance of “service above self” in affecting positive and enduring change in the lives of others. He first became a Rotarian more than twenty-five years ago. His Rotary service has taken him to many states and foreign countries. Thomas was honored with his District's Rotarian of the Year Award. He served as President of his Rotary Club and received the District’s Outstanding President of the Year Award and the Rotary International Presidential Citation. Other Rotary service includes being Executive Assistant Governor, Assistant Governor for four years, Global Grants Chair, and as District International Service Chair. He has been a Facilitator for the Rotary Leadership Institute. He has participated twice in the Vocational Training Team Program from Rotary International Foundation. As a member of The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers, Thomas completed operational audits and reviews to monitor, evaluate, and ensure the proper stewardship of Foundation grant funds and compliance with The Rotary Foundation’s missions and objectives. Thomas lives by the mantra that it is better to be part of something bigger than yourself, and this has been exemplified by his Rotary participation.

Thomas was honored as an award-winning author in the International Book Awards for 2017, 2015, 2014, and 2013 and the USA Best Book Awards for 2018, 2014, and 2013. His penchant for thoughtfulness, inclusivity, activism, and insight into leadership and community service is renowned. Thomas Smith believes, "we all need to have a purpose in our lives and this purpose can be found in community service through the impact, power, and contribution of volunteering." It has been said that his writing defines itself by carefully orchestrated simplicity; that he writes what he knows. His writing has been described as art, and his grammar, word choice and structure as the canvas on which his writings are painted.