Develop Yourself, Develop Your Community
Keynote Speaker: Tom Wilcox
Biography
From a dive team leader in Jamaica, to marine mammal trainer and stranding network leader, to deep see submersible observer and animal collector, the oceans were Tom’s beginnings and he was inspired by Jacque Cousteau in the 60s and 70s. He was motivated by curiosity, adventure, and the mysteries of inner space!
Upon returning to Virginia, Tom started his own education business to teach and develop marine science programs to kids and adults – it was his ocean on wheels! And then his family started and it was time to get back to school at VCU and learn about inland waters in Virginia which was his entry to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and it was just an entry.
Tom has nothing to do with inland waters now but serves as the Director of Engagement at DWR – his dream job. Engaging is what Tom does best to build new audiences and manage the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program to connect youth to the outdoors. Building and cultivating relationships is an ongoing discovery path for Tom and his audience. Tom lives in Goochland, married to Sandy, relating to his 5 adult kids, and trying to finish strong and VAAEC is helping. His outdoor passion is trail running/walking and being in the moment.
Upon returning to Virginia, Tom started his own education business to teach and develop marine science programs to kids and adults – it was his ocean on wheels! And then his family started and it was time to get back to school at VCU and learn about inland waters in Virginia which was his entry to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and it was just an entry.
Tom has nothing to do with inland waters now but serves as the Director of Engagement at DWR – his dream job. Engaging is what Tom does best to build new audiences and manage the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program to connect youth to the outdoors. Building and cultivating relationships is an ongoing discovery path for Tom and his audience. Tom lives in Goochland, married to Sandy, relating to his 5 adult kids, and trying to finish strong and VAAEC is helping. His outdoor passion is trail running/walking and being in the moment.
The Conversation
So, this is my “dream” story but the “real” story lies within! My journey from a fish ecologist to Director of Engagement is complex and took waking-up each morning with purpose and patience. We are state government.
And also essential was professional and personal development with attention to opportunities and self-discovery which included:
And along this path there will be defining moments. A few for me:
We will explore these insights through some back and forth conversation. Because at the end, we want to be the best version of ourselves at home, work, and in our communities.
And also essential was professional and personal development with attention to opportunities and self-discovery which included:
- Being stretchable
- Looking inside
- Listening to others
- Being explorative
- Taking risks
And along this path there will be defining moments. A few for me:
- Navy leadership training onboard the USS Enterprise while underway in 2007
- My own 16-month leadership training at DWR in 2009
- Creating a cause-driven e-commerce platform
- Developing conservation conversations
- Engaging with VAAEC and more...
We will explore these insights through some back and forth conversation. Because at the end, we want to be the best version of ourselves at home, work, and in our communities.
