Prior to joining the SBDC, Thomas worked across several industries, bringing 15 years of combined business and academic experience. He has an extensive background in banking and finance, having served as a retail banking manager, credit analyst, commercial underwriter, commercial lender, business services manager and vice president of commercial lending. Furthermore, he has experience working with several different types of lending intuitions, including local, regional and national banks as well as credit unions.

Thomas also worked as the CFO of a multi-state hotel developer and operator. He has experience with multiple types of capital ranging from debt, mezzanine, private equity, municipal bond, and nonrecourse financing and securitization. Thomas brings experience in IT having worked on the development of financial payment software for clients such as Capital One and Bank of America.

Finally, Thomas served on the faculty of Chattahoochee Valley Community College as an instructor. He remains active in the Columbus community having served on numerous boards of directors for local companies, not for profits, and civic organizations.