His occupation is… Interim Housing Rehabilitation Administrator

He’s been with the City since… 1989. That’s when Thomas started working with the Planning Department as an intern in the Comprehensive Planning Division. He has since worked various levels as a city planner until October 2009.

Thomas is the person who… helps improve Akron’s housing stock. As a HUD- Certified HOME Program Specialist in the area of Regulations, Thomas  works with housing rehabilitation initiatives under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and Akron Lead Demonstration Grant. Right now, he works with residents, businesses and organizations to help improve the Summit Lake neighborhood.

What does he enjoy most about the job?  "I really enjoy people, first of all. And understanding government plays a critical role in helping folks solve neighborhood issues," said Tatum. "It’s exciting to engage others and find solutions to our challenges."

Thomas is also… secretary for NEFCO (too long of a name to spell out)…they do regional planning. He is also Mayor Plusquellic’s representative on the Abandoned & Vacant Property Planning Advisory Committee. They help clean up eyesore properties, and more. A 1983 graduate of Clark College (now Clark-Atlanta University), he has a B. A. in Public Relations/Marketing; he also has his M.A. in Urban Planning from The University of Akron. 

When he has time… Thomas enjoys being with his family and is active in the community. He is on the University of Akron National Alumni Board and the Akron Urban Minority Alcohol and Drug Outreach Program Board. Thomas is active in the March of Dimes-March for Babies Annual Fundraiser and is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and serves as the local chapter membership chairman. (If, by chance some time becomes available, he tries to fit in a round of golf and/or travel.)

Etc… he is three-time  March of Dimes Man of The Year (2008-10) recipient and received the March of Dimes President’s Award in 2010. Married to Milistine Tatum, they have two children Lauren and Thomas II and live in Akron.

Oh… and two other things about Thomas Tatum: he has taught as a Mission Intern at the Africa Literature Center in Kitwe, Zambia and is a graduate of Leadership Akron (Class XVI).