Candidate: Tom Harris

Tom Harris has been an active member of the Jacksonville community for over 30 years and a Florida resident since 1975.  His wife Debby Sims Harris (4th Generation Jax) and Tom were college sweethearts at UF and have been married for 37 years.  They have two grown daughters Rachel and Amanda and three grandkids, all living in Jacksonville. He is a University of Florida graduate and a former Commisioned Army Officer, business owner and now a Licensed Funeral Director; Managing at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes, Cemeteries and Cremations.  He has been a  sailor and pilot most of his life, and is a Commerical Pilot with both Helicopter and Airplane ratings, along with being a Certified Flight Instructor.  Tom has vast experience as a leader from his Army and Corporate roles.  In 2001, he and his wife joined family members as partners in Promo Depot, a promotional and In-Store marketing firm in Jacksonville which was aquired by Acosta Sales and Marketing in 2008. When not at work or with family, Tom has decicated his time and talents to many worthy non-profit and civic organizations over the years to include:

• Mandarin Community Club- Board Member
• Police Council of Jacksonville-Member
• River Garden Hebrew Home- Chairman Charity Golf Classic, Foundation Board Member, former Home Board Member.
• Rotary of Jacksonville
• JCA- Youth Basketball Coach and member.
• Southside Business Men's Club- Past President and Chairperson of the Board
• SBMC Charities Scholarship Committe Member.
• Jax Navy Flying Club-Past V.P. and Board Member
• Jewish Family and Community Services- Past Treasurer and Board Member   
• Member "The Temple"  Past Cemetery Committee member
• Toastmasters Past President
• Jacksonville Maritime Museum                                                                  

Career Accomplishments                                                         

Captain- US Army Aviation Branch.  Commander.  Flight Instructor. 1984-1990

Director Strategic Planning Campbell Soup Company 1990-1998

Business Manager L.T. Acosta Company 1998-2001

Business Owner:  Promo Depot-Partner 2001-2008

SVP Marketing- Acosta Sales & Marketing 2008-2012

Area Manager- Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes-Cremations-Cemeteries 2014-Present