TJ Thomson

My Interests:

TJ and his wife, Alisha, enjoy the many wonderful aspects of living in Idaho, including: fishing, skiing, boating, and biking & hiking in Boise’s beautiful foothills. The couple also enjoys scuba diving together and camping all across Idaho in the great outdoors.

Political Skills:

Canvassing, Strategizing & Planning, Phone banking, GOTV, Mailings, Data Entry, Door-to-Door, Office work

Favorite Quote:

''We are the change we seek.'' - President Barack Obama

About Me:

TJ was born and raised in Southeastern Idaho. After graduating from Idaho Falls High School, he volunteered for active duty in the U.S. Air Force, serving honorably as a B-1 Bomber Avionics Technician Specialist in Abilene, Texas. Following military service, TJ attended Boise State University (BSU), becoming heavily involved in both the Boise community, through volunteer service activities, and the university policy making process, as BSU Student Body President. TJ graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Minor in Communications, and then continued his studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, attaining a Masters of Public Affairs (MPA) in Policy Analysis and Public Management.

TJ has acquired nearly a decade of experience at the federal, state, and private levels in policy analysis, program evaluation, and internal auditing. At the federal level, with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in Washington D.C., he worked as a Space Policy Analyst on NASA programs and initiatives – focusing heavily on finding tax payer savings on costly government initiatives, as well as improvements to Space Shuttle safety. In 2004, he performed an in-depth analysis resulting in a one-billion dollar government savings, receiving special commendation and team service awards, as well as a personal recognition award from the U.S. Comptroller General for “outstanding achievement”. While working in Washington DC, TJ also served as a Human Rights Commissioner, was trained as a community mediator, and helped organize the annual Martin Luther King Celebration.

Upon returning to Idaho, TJ worked for the Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations as a Program Evaluator. In a testimony before the Idaho Joint Legislative Oversight Committee, he described efforts by Idaho education agencies to develop a student information system and detailed future IT education needs for the committee. Presently, TJ works for Idaho Power Company as an Internal Auditor – a role that focuses on the efficient use of resources and the integration of controls to promote ethical and open company practices.

TJ has become a visible advocate in Idaho’s community. In memory of his mother, he fights tirelessly to prevent suicide deaths, presently serving as the Field Liaison in Idaho’s 1st Congressional District for the U.S. Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) and SPAN Idaho Executive Board Member. Each month, TJ volunteers with the Boise City Police Department and recently established a Neighborhood Watch Program in his West Boise neighborhood to deter crime. Recently, TJ graduated from the Boise Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy, the 4th Judicial District Bar Association Citizen’s Law Academy, and will soon also graduate from the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Boise program. In 2008, he was recognized with the “Accomplished 40 under 40” award presented by the Idaho Business Review. TJ is also an active member of Boise Young Professionals, City Club of Boise, and regularly participates in city-wide volunteer efforts.

In 2009, TJ received the “Grassroots Organizer of the Year” Award at Idaho's Annual Progressive Celebration & Awards Dinner for his efforts in establishing and leading the Idaho for Obama grassroots campaign for President Barack Obama in the State of Idaho. In 2008, TJ was officially appointed by Barack Obama as his authorized representative for the Idaho Democratic Party delegate selection process. TJ also served as the State Chair of Idaho Veterans for Obama and Idaho Deputy Delegation Chair & National Delegate for Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Presently, TJ serves as the Precinct 48 Committeeman in West Boise.

TJ has been happily married for over 5 years to his wife, Alisha. Alisha is a Hair Stylist at Panache Hair Studio & Day Spa in Boise.