Tom Simms, Louisiana Advisory Board Member

For Tom, giving back to his community has defined his professional and personal life. With more than 45 years of accounting and auditing experience, Tom has built a career rooted in expertise, leadership, and service to the Shreveport community.

Throughout his career, Tom has held leadership roles with organizations dedicated to strengthening North Louisiana, supporting families, and enriching the community. His service includes leadership roles with LifeShare Blood Center, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Catholic Charities, and Loyola College Prep, among others. He currently serves on the North Louisiana Economic Partnership board and as chairman of the St. Joseph Parish Finance Council. In his professional role as partner emeritus at CRI, Tom continues to contribute his expertise through the firm's mergers and acquisitions work.

For Tom, serving on Arete Scholars' Louisiana Advisory Board aligns with his longstanding commitment to making a difference in others' lives. He believes Arete plays a critical role in providing children with educational opportunities they might not otherwise have. Through scholarships, students can access schools that support their academic growth, personal development, and future success.

Tom's professional experience and dedication to community service reflect his belief that investing in people and creating opportunities helps them thrive. Through his involvement with Arete, he helps advance a mission that gives more Louisiana students the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

The Arete Scholars Advisory Board plays a vital role in expanding educational opportunities for students and families across Louisiana and Georgia. Through their leadership, expertise, and commitment to Arete's mission, board members help make this work possible. Thank you, Tom, for your continued service to the Shreveport community and your commitment to opening doors of opportunity for Louisiana students and families.