Thomas Bales

Thomas Bales has extensive experience in policy, advocacy, and education. Currently serving as Director of Policy, Advocacy and Engagement at the American Association of Geographers since March 2023, Bales also works as a Freelance Strategist and Advisor beginning in October 2020. Previous roles include Board Member for the King County Children and Youth Advisory Board from 2018 to 2023 and multiple leadership positions at Leadership for Educational Equity from 2014 to 2022, where responsibilities ranged from managing national and regional organizing strategies to directing national efforts. Bales started a career in education as an Elementary School Teacher at New Frontiers Public Schools and as a Corps Member with Teach For America from 2012 to 2014. Bales holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Government from Saint Louis University and further education from Pázmány Péter Katolikus Egyetem.