As Director of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Thom leads the firm’s Data Science and AI vertical.
He joined Husch Blackwell in 2020 at the beginning of the firm’s efforts to become truly data driven. During his tenure, Thom has grown the firm’s capabilities to deliver solutions to complex data and AI problems for staff, attorneys, and clients. His strategic work with top AI companies has allowed the team to develop state-of-the-art bespoke generative AI technology that the firm leverages daily to stay at the forefront of legal technology.
With a strong focus on humane design and product development, Thom has driven the creation of industry-leading tools such as Husch Blackwell’s multi-model Prompt Composer and the firm’s SAFER AI Governance Framework. As the leader of the firm’s internal AI Governance program, he has established this framework as its cornerstone.
Before joining Husch Blackwell, Thom spent nearly five years leading the Data Science team at O’Reilly Auto Parts, where they developed AI tools for the organization, conducted deep learning and early LLM research, and supported the Fortune 500 company’s various units, including Marketing, Supply-Chain, Real Estate, HR/Legal, IT, and Store Ops as well as working directly with the c-suite for earnings calls and strategic decision making.
Prior to O’Reilly, Thom spent a decade designing AI systems and strategies to manage sales, logistics, and inventory in the medical supply industry and got his start in 2003 as a new media producer for an NPR affiliate developing data and media tools to bring a new, data driven dimension to journalism.
He holds a master’s in applied mathematics and the world’s only bachelor’s degree in mathematical aesthetics; an interdisciplinary triple major in graphic design, philosophy, and applied math.