TomTarantino.com
  • HOME
  • ABOUT TOM
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • HEROES & INSPIRATION
  • CONTACT TOM

Hello!

Thanks for stopping by my website.

As you've likely noticed, until relatively recently, I was serving in the trenches of the entertainment and gaming industries, rather than the halls of government or policy think tanks.  I view this experience as a powerful asset, as I strongly believe those years forged a unique mix of professionalism, good humor, and thick skin for me to bring to bear on any project.  Perhaps more importantly, I come with the confidence of a conscious choice to shift my focus to the public policy arena after realizing that, while lucrative, a career in television programming or game development would never provide enough opportunities to give back to my community.  I know that serving others - helping people - is my passion, my gift, and my proper pursuit.

Part of this focus shift involved returning to school, after a decade in the media workforce, for a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration, with an emphasis in urban planning and sustainability.  I chose the respected program at California Lutheran University for my studies, based on the quality of its experienced instructors and specifically for its Southern California-centered approach.  While at CLU, my hard work earned the respect of my professors; reflected not only in my 4.0 GPA, but also in their desire to continue research together following my completion of the program – pro-bono land use policy efforts with the Ventura County Civic Alliance aimed at integrating the complex requirements of United Nations Agenda 21 with their Compact for a Sustainable Ventura County. 

My research also led to the honor of being elected as the youngest member of the VCCA Executive Board.  As a board member, I am proud to be part of our State of the Region Report – a biennial, independently researched and interpreted publication of the VCCA that serves as a key reference for quality of life throughout the county.  I am also pleased to serve as Lead Administrator for the VCCA’s cutting-edge digital civic engagement effort, Engage Ventura County – an online town hall forum aimed at fostering community and government dialogue regarding critical issues in the area.

In addition to my M.A. from CLU, I hold a B.A. in Communications and Media Studies from the University of San Diego, where I completed the prestigious Honors Program as the top graduate in my field.  I enjoy all aspects of government, policy development, civic engagement, and media/public relations work; with a keen interest in urban planning, municipal design, and sustainability. 

I believe my blended experience and training make me the ideal candidate, and I would be more than happy to discuss career opportunities - feel free to send me a note by clicking here!




Education:

Picture

M.A., Public Policy & Administration

Picture

B.A., Communications & Media Studies


Affiliations:

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Experience:

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.