Tom Simplot has been in leadership positions in the private sector as well as in local, state, and federal levels of government.  Most recently Tom served as director of the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), and prior to that served as senior deputy chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, DC.  He was also a longtime member of the Phoenix City Council and served as president and CEO of the Arizona Multihousing Association.  Tom is a licensed attorney in Arizona.

In his role at ADOH, Tom was responsible for programs established to create, preserve, and invest in affordable housing statewide.  During his tenure the Department eliminated duplicative regulatory processes, improved transparency and communication with stakeholders, dramatically increased the number of new affordable housing units, and moved the Agency permanently to a virtual workplace.

Tom was a resident of Arizona for 35 years prior to moving to Washington and was very active in the community, serving on the boards of the Valley of the Sun United Way, Valle del Sol, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Phoenix Theatre.  He also served as president of the Maricopa County Board of Health and the Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority.