Tom’s Bio

Tom is an experienced senior-executive level leader in the field of adult career education, with over 20 years of experience.  Prior to Bridgeway, Tom served as the Senior Vice President of Education, Certification and Events at CEDIA.  In this role, Tom oversaw the strategy direction and implementation for CEDIA’s education program globally, the growth of CEDIA certifications globally, and the Events Team that coordinate CEDIA’s world-class events.

Prior to joining CEDIA, Tom served as the Executive Portfolio Manager for Career and Technical Education at Pearson Education, the world’s largest learning company.  In this role, Tom developed the strategy and products to support the Career and Technical Education channel throughout the US.  While at Pearson Education, Tom also developed curricula for partners globally, including Saudi Arabia, where the content was rated as “world-class”.

Prior to joining Pearson Education, Tom served as the Executive Director of Workforce, Economic, and Community Development for Ivy Tech Community College – Central Indiana.  Workforce and Economic Development provides services to employers on behalf of the College.  These services include customized training, certification-based training, community education, career services, career counseling, internships, workforce certification testing center, and host for the Central Indiana Small Business Development Corporation.

Tom joined Ivy Tech Community College after serving as a senior consultant in education, workforce and economic development for Thomas P. Miller and Associates, Inc.  He is an innovative leader in providing workforce development services, having more than tripled non-credit enrollments, revenue, and workforce certifications achieved in just four years.  He led the Workforce and Economic Development Division to new partnerships and new populations, including ex-offenders, unemployed, and small business owners.  Adept at establishing meaningful partnerships, Mr. Darling developed a strong partnership with EmployIndy, the Work One system, and Goodwill Industries.  Tom believes that true workforce development occurs when an individual’s skills are increased to such a point that they are able to move forward in their career or to start a new career.

Tom’s other professional experiences include securing over $15 million in funds through grant writing, large project implementation of major educational initiatives including a full-time kindergarten program, and Sr. Vice President for Real Property Analysts, Inc.,   He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis.  He and his wife Kathy live with their twin sons Zach and Nathan and their ever-faithful dog Sophie.