Meet Tom

Tom was born and raised on a farm in a small town in northwest Illinois. After graduating high school with honors, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing Boot Camp, Basic Electricity and Electronics, Electricians Mate "A" School, Navy Nuclear Power School, and Navy Nuclear Prototype, Tom was sent to the fleet on submarines, including multiple patrols aboard the USS James Monroe.

While in the Navy, Tom married his wife Judee and they had their first two children, Carrie and Matt. Their daughter, Carrie was born in Chicago IL and their son, Matt was born in Charleston, SC.  Their youngest son, Jacob, was born in Dubuque, IA after Tom completed his service.

After 6 years in the Navy, Tom decided it was time to return home. Tom then was accepted into the Apprenticeship Program at IBEW Local 704. After completing the Apprenticeship Program, Tom worked as a journeyman wireman for several different contractors in several states. Tom was always active in his Local Union, holding many committee and officer positions.

In 2011 Tom was elected Business Manager for Local 704. In his duties as Business Manager, Tom has been involved in many community organizations. Tom is currently the president of the Dubuque Area Labor Harvest. As a volunteer Tom has helped feed thousands of low income and disabled citizens of the Dubuque Area. Tom was selected for the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame for his efforts at the DALH. Tom's wife Judee is also very active volunteering at DALH.

Tom has been involved in many other boards and committees, including: Inaugural representative for the IBEW 11th District on the International IBEW Veterans Committee, (current) Treasurer for Dubuque Area Labor Management Committee,  (past) Labor Board Chair, President Dubuque Building and Construction Trades Council, Executive Board Iowa State Building and Construction Trades, President Dubuque Federation of Labor, past board member and board chair for United Way Dubuque Area Tri-States, Iowa State Federation of Labor Executive Board, Greater Dubuque Development Executive Board, Iowa Economic Development Authority Board Member, University of Iowa Labor Center Advisory Committee, Iowa State Conference past President, Iowa Electrical Workers Council Treasurer, County Compensation Board member, and Chairman of the Dubuque Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board.

Tom has been very active representing the members of local 704 and is looking forward to representing the citizens of Dubuque in the Iowa Senate.

Tom and and his wife Judee have 5 grand children.