Tom is a Torres Strait Islander and is currently the CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust. Tom has a Bachelor of Applied Science in the Conservation of Cultural Materials and a Bachelor of Laws.
As a conservator, Tom worked in the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria. Tom also has over 8 years legal practice experience, including serving in Senior Associate roles across Melbourne and Brisbane.
Tom was the lead curator of the first survey exhibition of contemporary Torres Strait Islander art and culture, which was launched at the Cairns Regional Gallery in 1997; and the Torres StraitIslander Project in 2011 (a collaboration between the State Library of Queensland,Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Queensland Museum).
Before becoming the CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, Tom worked at the State Library of Queensland as the Executive Manager, Indigenous Research and Projects.