Tom is a Michigan native. He grew up there and has degrees in chemical engineering and law from the University of Michigan. After graduating from law school in 1964 Tom emigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area to practice patent law. A true science nerd, he specialized in chemical and life sciences inventions and was a pioneer in patenting biotechnology inventions—representing biotechnology companies, universities, and venture capitalists.
In 1988 Tom purchased a second home in Montara and soon discovered and fell in love with the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and became a Friends donor. As he neared retirement Tom and his wife, Linda, decided to become FFMR volunteers and took Bob Breen’s 2003 training class. Later that year they both joined the FFMR Board of Directors. After retiring in 2007 Tom and Linda decided to live full time at their Montara home. Tom enjoys volunteering at FMR, occasionally writing articles for the FFMR newsletter, and spending time with others in the FFMR family.