Born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York, Thomas A. Tatum is a 1983 graduate of Clark College, (now Clark-Atlanta University). Upon his graduation from Clark, he was selected as a Teaching Mission Intern at the Africa Literature Centre in Kitwe, Zambia. In 1991, Thomas graduated from the University of Akron with a Masters in Urban Planning. In May of 2008, Thomas was voted as a member of the National Alumni Board for the University of Akron.
The City of Akron, Ohio has employed Thomas since October 1989. He has served in several roles; in October of 2009, Thomas was appointed to the position of Housing Rehabilitation Administrator for the Department of Planning and Urban Development. Previously, he has worked as a City Planner with several neighborhood-planning initiatives including the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout the City. He is been the lead planner for Neighborhood Business Districts, the City of Akron, Ohio Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing and responsible for the 5-year Consolidated Strategy and Annual Action Plans, the City's Federal Budget application. In May of 2008, Thomas received his Certification as a HOME Program Specialist – Regulations. In December 2008, Mr. Tatum serves as the First Vice President to the policy board of the Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning Organization (NEFCO). Thomas was appointed by Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic to serve on the Summit County Abandoned & Vacant Property Task Force. In 2012, Mr. Tatum was selected to the Steering Committee of the Healthy Housing Investment Project, for the Ohio Healthy Housing Network. Thomas has the distinction of having a published document in the Library of Congress, the Historic American Building Survey and documentation of Samuel A. Lane School was constructed in 1902, (Survey number: HABS OH-2402)
Since 1992, Thomas has served on the board of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. Established in 1966, Alpha Homes provides housing to nearly 3,000 residents at 21 housing developments in Northeast Ohio and Chicago. Thomas currently serves as the Vice Chairman of Development responsible for the physical plant of all properties and identifying new development opportunities.
Thomas volunteers several community organizations including Event Chairman for the 2008-12 Akron Area March of Dimes March for Babies and served as the State of Ohio and Midwestern Region Coordinator for the March of Dimes for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Thomas was recognized as Alpha Phi Alpha/March of Dimes National Man of the Year in the Alumni Category for his work with the March for Babies Initiative (2008-2011); Tatum also a two-time recipient of the President’s Award (2010 & 2011) for the March of Dimes.
Tatum has received local recognition receiving the 2009 University of Akron Greek Alumni Service Award and the 2009 Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award for Service in Government. A member of the Leadership Akron Class of 2000, Thomas is an active public speaker on the subjects of leadership, community and economic development, and community empowerment through research, education and courage.
Of all of his titles, the ones that mean the most are Son to the late Thomas and Bertha Tatum, Brother to the late Timothy A. Tatum, Husband to the former Milistine Delaney, and Father to Lauren Selena and Thomas ll.
-2013 1st Vice Chairmen- Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning Organization
-Became an entrepreneur with Big Bruhs Frat House Greek Paraphernalia, (www.bigbruhs.com)
-Raised over $11,000 locally for March of Dimes-March for Babies
-Volunteer- Daughters Soccer Team
Housing Rehabilitation/Human Resources Administrator|
City of Akron, Department of Planning and Urban Development
From October 2011 to Current • 15 year(s)
Supervised nine Housing Rehabilitation staff members and served as Program Manager for Healthy Home Production Grant. Directed staff in monitoring federally-funded programs and implementation of U.S. HUD Grants.
Interim Housing Rehabilitation Administrator|
City of Akron, Department of Planning and Urban Development
From October 2009 to October 2011 • 2 year(s)
Provided direction to staff in absence of Manager for six staff members. Worked towards implementation of U.S. HUD programs and monitored federally-funded programs.
Senior Planner (IV)|
City of Akron, Department of Planning and Urban Development
From October 2000 to October 2009 • 9 year(s)
Coordinated Neighborhood Stabilization Grant applications, Consolidated Plan and Citizen Participation Strategy. Served as Technical Advisor for Weed and Seed Strategy Area and developed renewal plans for various projects.
Planner III|
City of Akron, Department of Planning and Urban Development
From November 1991 to October 2000 • 9 year(s)
Coordinated Community Development Areas and served as Project Director for Weed and Seed Strategy Area. Prepared Grantee Performance Reports and analyzed Historic Preservation and Environmental Review documents.
Intern/Planning Aide II|
City of Akron, Department of Planning and Urban Development
From October 1989 to November 1991 • 2 year(s)
Prepared Environmental Review Records and Historic Review for housing improvement areas. Conducted research to revise City's Zoning code and worked to establish a Victorian Village District in Akron.
Research Assistant|
University of Akron
From September 1988 to October 1989 • 1 year(s)
Assisted instructors with research on various projects.
Medical Records Analyst|
Georgia Baptist Medical Center
From September 1986 to July 1988 • 2 year(s)
Ensured all medical records were properly documented in accordance with hospital risk management policies. Advised administrators and doctors on compliance steps.
Lecturer/Tutor|
Board of Global Ministries, Africa
From June 1983 to July 1984 • 1 year(s)
Lectured and taught courses in Basic English Grammar, Basics of Writing, Current Affairs. Tutored on Black and White Photography in Kitwe, Zambia.
