Tom’s strengths came through in his wonderful, people-centered leadership style, mentoring staff and teams in high level strategic design, decision-making, and problem solving. Tom’s extensive experience in strategic thinking and program management made him a quick study, and gave him terrific perspective, within the international development context. His leadership skills and instincts positioned him well to guide and support program staff with their programs, challenges, and success.
Christine Bailey
Former Dir. of Global Programs
PCI Media Impact
Tom helped direct and lead the organization through a period of time when Trailblazer was needing fresh ideas and expertise, especially in the areas of fundraising, communications and budgeting. Tom provided a vital level of insight, experience and expertise to further grow and professionalize the organization. His notable suggestions regarding financial matters, programmatic growth, and various fundraising methods made for remarkable results and grew our budget nearly two-fold.
Chris Coats
Founder and Executive Director
Trailblazer Foundation
Tom is very quick to grasp complex concepts, has excellent insight into human behavior and the problems at hand, and he certainly recognizes the nuances of complicated relationships and situations. He is highly skilled at leading group discussions, has detailed analytical abilities and is capable of critical reasoning. Tom is a highly capable writer as evidenced by his high success rate over many years in gaining grant funds from charitable foundations.
David Engel
Former Board Member and Chair
Predator Conservation Alliance
I found Tom to be especially adept at strategic thinking and managing disparate groups of people. His efforts led to a new Business Plan that remains the guiding document for the ongoing development and evolution of the organization. His leadership style is one that leads to a work environment where staff is confident of their ability to have impact and is empowered to execute to the best of their abilities.
Alex Garcia
Former Director of Operations
International League of Conservation Photographers
I’ve known Tom for many decades and observed his professional trajectory. We have talked at length regarding the nuances and challenges of applying market-based solutions to social and environmental entrepreneuring. Tom is a leader fueled by passion. His drive is a heartfelt desire to have a real impact on people’s lives.
Scott Gillilan
Principal, Gillilan Associates
Kinship Conservation Fellow
Tom is experienced in planning, and clearly understands key strategic planning concepts and the essentials of organizational functioning and effectiveness. Tom is a self starter, highly motivated, and holds himself to very high standards. At the same time, Tom relishes interactions with colleagues, partners and allies, and always seems to benefit from the energy and ideas that come out of collegial engagement with others. Tom has excellent skills and experience in communications. He writes clearly and convincingly.
Ed Lewis
Consultant and Board Member to
NGOs and Foundations
I appreciated [Tom’s] talents in quickly assessing and grasping what iLCP was all about and determining areas that needed both immediate and long-term attention. He did an admirable job of coalescing the membership and re-instilling the public's confidence in our organization. His leadership skills and patience are largely responsible for iLCP weathering turbulent times and laying a foundation for a stronger future.
Mark Lukes,
Former Chair,
International League of Conservation Photographers
Tom has a wealth of nonprofit management wisdom to offer, always delivered with enthusiasm, compassion, and an ear to help. I’ve benefitted more than a few times from sit downs or calls with Tom, coming away inspired with suggestions and encouragement when needed most, and a few laughs as well. Tom’s energy and positive vibe is always welcome, and I hope others advancing worthy causes can likewise get a boost from his experience.
William Patric
Executive Director
Rivers Without Borders
Tom is hard working and strives to make the world a better place. He serves the interests of those he works with in a calm, steady, focused stle.
Mike Phillips
Executive Director, Turner Endangered Species Fund
Montana State Representative
Tom Skeele is a serious professional, whom I have known for decades, and in whom I have high confidence. He is passionate but sophisticated. He is attuned and articulate. He knows the gears and belts. He is sharp. Hire him if you dare. I think you should dare.
David Quammen
Award Winning Science
and Natural History Writer
Tom is action-oriented, knowledgeable, insightful, savvy, and articulate. People are captivated by his honest, informative, enthusiastic and motivated manner; and moved to action by his supportive, engaging and direct leadership. I have been impressed with Tom’s ability to juggle a multi-faceted project, and do so as a collaborator, diplomat, problem solver, and relationship-builder.
Sally Ranney
Co-Director
American Renewable Energy Day
Tom has become an extremely accomplished nonprofit executive, fundraiser and leader. He is persuasive in his ability to convey why and how a project needs to get done. Tom has also consistently demonstrated a natural talent for multi-tasking. He has a strong interest in and commitment to young people.
Jay Satz
Former Vice President,
Student Conservation Association NW
I had the pleasure of working with Tom, and it was a powerful experience. It was wonderful to work with Tom on high-level finances and organizational budgets. He has the unique ability to combine top-level leadership with attention to detail. Tom very quickly learns how to get the most productivity from each person. He has the ability to mentor people even during the most difficult times. He calmly works the "problem", and spreads that calmness to the rest of the group.
Anthony M. Scala; Chief Financial Officer
PCI Media Impact
Tom is knowledgeable, strategic, very entrepreneurial and creative. He has gained a wealth of practical professional experience which allows him to be a mentor to his colleagues and the broader social change community.
Gary Tabor
Past advisor to US and international foundations and donor agencies
Tom has a keen sense of communicating through visual, audio and written language. He understands the power of video and still images when balanced with the right amount of words, and speaks clearly in both an impromptu interview format or for a pre-designed formal presentation.
Kristin Wimberg
Wimberg Productions
(documentary films and nonprofit videos)