JACK OF ALL TRADES
SERVICE - LEADERSHIP - DEDICATION
Born and raised in the quaint town of Kentwood Louisiana, I have always had a desire to leave my mark on the world. My Godparents, a German immigrant and a Vietnam War Veteran, instilled in me the values of perseverance and excellence which have served as a strong foundation for my life's journey thus far.
My formative years in education were marked with distinction and contributions to various organizations, including serving as the Vice President of the National Honor Society, participating in the Beta Club, and graduating Summa Cum Laude
My passion for leadership did not stop at school gates, as I served on various boards and councils including the Kentwood Town Council, parish executive boards, and the directorate of University View Academy, a charter school in my community. Each of these roles sharpened my skills in decision-making, strategy formulation, and communication, offering me invaluable real-world leadership experience.
From a young age, my affinity for art and photography, coupled with an innate curiosity, guided me to create "Kentwood Through the Lens", a local online news agency I started at the tender age of 16. Through this platform, I covered a broad spectrum of stories, advocating for transparency and integrity in local affairs. I had the privilege of interacting with individuals across the socio-political spectrum, from Mayors to State Senators.
Simultaneously, I ventured into digital creation, designing websites, menus, and advertisements for local businesses and restaurants. This venture not only supported my journalistic endeavors but also honed my graphic design and business acumen.
At 19, I was elected to the Kentwood City Council as the youngest elected official in the parish, a testament to my commitment to public service. As a Councilman, I upheld the values of transparency and integrity that I had promoted as a reporter, drafting local legislation, and managing online public service platforms. I also created, funded, and managed a town website called “discoverkentwood.com“ to give the public easy access to governmental info. I was also the first and only local Alderman to draft and advocate for COVID-19 protocols before the official lockdown.
In the same year, I was inducted as a member of the board of directors for the Foundation for Louisiana Students, which governs my alma mater, University View Academy. Within a year, I was elected vice president of the board.
In addition to these commitments, I pursued higher education, renovated and sold my first house, and took up a job with Uber in the Greater New Orleans area, juggling my roles effectively.
In 2023, I legally adopted the name Thomas Trennen Nealsson.
Today, I continue to pursue my passions and live by the values instilled in me by my Godparents. My diverse experiences and accomplishments have forged me into the leader I am, someone ready to confront the challenges of the world and work for the betterment of my community.