Tom Powers was born in Yonkers, New York in 1957. At an early age, Tom’s family moved to Millbrook, New York. He graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1975.

Tom’s commitment to helping others became a strong part of his life at an early age. Even at an early age, Tom knew he wanted to become a police officer.
In 1980 Tom accepted a position with the Arizona State Police (Arizona Department of Public Safety). After successful completion of the police academy and the advanced basic academy, Tom was assigned to the uniform division of the agency. Tom advanced quickly to an agent/detective position in the narcotics unit of the criminal investigations division. Tom was recognized by the agency numerous times, including receiving one of the agency’s highest awards for his dedication and performance. Tom’s career included the seizure of narcotics and millions of dollars in U.S. currency, and the arrest of numerous top-level drug traffickers. He was the lead investigator in  international drug investigations, and survived three separate shootings.

Tom’s peers recognized his leadership skills and commitment to serving others and he was elected to lead the agency’s 2000-member employee group for three consecutive terms. Tom took over this organization as it faced severe financial difficulties. In just six years Tom took an organization on the verge of bankruptcy to a financially sound entity.

Tom worked very closely with the State Legislature, the Governor’s office, federal congressional representatives, and local leaders to promote laws and policy involving public safety issues. Tom served as the chairman of “Keep Our Kids Off Drugs”, a successful statewide effort to thwart the initiative to decriminalize drugs in Arizona. Tom worked with public officials, business leaders and community organizations to defeat this well financed effort.

Tom worked with State budgets and governmental policy making on a regular basis.  Tom also managed the Associations business of marketing merchandise. This branch of the organization was also in financial difficulties when Tom began. Through solid business principals, this also turned around to be profitable and successful.

Tom appeared regularly at the State Legislature, working with legislators and other state leaders to assure passage of legislation supported by law enforcement organizations. Tom was selected to lead a statewide organization representing the largest police agencies in Arizona. He was a member of a national organization of State Police Organizations to address public safety issues on a national level. Tom’s extensive training and education in management and leadership aided him in his success in working with employee groups, management, and the legislature to provide the public with the highest quality of service.

In 2001 Tom’s wife, Teresa, was offered the opportunity to promote and advance her career. The advancement involved transferring from Arizona to Florida. Tom retired and became a stay-at-home dad for their children. Tom and Teresa moved here in 2001 and have embraced the Coral Springs’ way of life. Upon arriving, Tom immediately became involved in the community, continuing his dedication to public service. His volunteerism has included his service as head of the PTO at his children’s school, and as a member of the Coral Springs Education Committee. Tom has coached for the Coral Springs Youth Soccer League, as well as for the baseball and volleyball teams at his children’s school. The City Commission has appointed Tom to the Customer Involved Government Committee.

Tom has the ability, expertise, and commitment to lead Coral Springs into the future and help it continue to be the premier place to live, work, and raise a family.