Committed to what he saw as “humankind’s most compelling stewardship,” Tom worked for nearly four decades on environmental education and policy advocacy at the international, national and local levels. A founder of the Global Environment Project Institute and co-founder of the Eastern African Environmental Network, he also supported Friends of the Earth, Conservation International, Idaho Conservation League, and other leading organizations. Over the years, he actively worked to organize high-level symposia, draft textbooks and advocacy toolkits, and host events promoting environmental issues. In 1996, the United Nations Environment Program recognized Tom’s achievements with its Global 500 Award.
Tom spoke fluent French and Spanish and could swear in at least three other languages.