About Thomas Kennedy

Thomas Kennedy has proudly served on the Citrus County School Board since first being elected in 2010, with subsequent re-elections in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Over the years, he has been entrusted by his colleagues to serve as Chairman of the School Board during the 2013–2014, 2014–2015, 2018–2019, and 2023–2024 school years.

Thomas moved to Citrus County in 1989 from Stoneham, Massachusetts, and quickly developed deep roots in the community. His connection to local schools began early. While volunteering at Crystal River Middle School in 1990, he met his future wife, Thomasine, who had just begun her teaching career there. They married in 1992 and have lived in the Central Ridge area for more than 33 years.

Their two children attended Citrus County public schools from kindergarten through graduation. Both participated in Career and Technical Education magnet academies and were high school swimming student-athletes, later continuing as NCAA Division II swimmers in college. Their daughter, Genevieve, graduated in 2025 from Florida Southern College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and now works as a registered nurse in Winter Haven. Their son, Ethan, graduated in 2021 from the Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering, now works in the aerospace industry, and is pursuing an MBA at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business.

Before joining the School Board, Thomas spent more than 20 years in construction and real estate, gaining experience across site selection, land acquisition, design, and on-site supervision. In 1999, he co-founded Roken Development, Inc., focusing on speculative home construction in Central Ridge and Pine Ridge Estates. The business later expanded into Roken Construction, Inc., where Thomas oversaw construction scheduling, payroll, banking, and accounts management. These experiences built a strong foundation in project management, budgeting, and business operations that continues to inform his work in public service.

A passionate advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE), Thomas strongly believes in preparing students with real-world skills that align with workforce and industry needs. During his tenure on the School Board, he has been proud to help lead the largest expansion of CTE programs in Citrus County Schools’ history. These pathways allow students to earn industry certifications, gain hands-on experience, and explore career options, whether they choose to enter the workforce, pursue higher education, serve in the military, or combine multiple paths after graduation.

Although his professional background is rooted in the private sector, Thomas has developed a deep and practical understanding of public education through years of consistent involvement. He regularly visits schools, classrooms, and district facilities to better understand the successes, challenges, and needs of students, teachers, and staff. His service on advisory councils, along with his wife’s long career as a Citrus County educator, has given him a well-rounded perspective on how public education and community needs intersect.

Beyond the School Board, Thomas has represented Citrus County students, families, and staff on numerous district committees, including the ESE/START Committee, Pupil Progression Plan for High Schools Committee, High School Directions Committee, and District Technology Committee. He currently serves on the boards of the Citrus County Education Foundation, Citrus County Blessings, LifeSouth Community Foundation, Citrus County Coalition for College and Careers, and the Sun Coast Swim Team. He is also a certified USA Swimming Coach, working with children outside the classroom. Click here for a full list of Committee Assignments, School Advisory Councils, and Community Service roles.

Thomas’s service has been recognized at both the state and community levels. In 2018, he received the Florida STAR School Board Member of the Year Award from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, the only statewide award of its kind for school board members. In June 2021, he was honored with the Phil Royal Legacy Foundation’s Heart of Gold Award for community service. In August 2023, he received the Florida School Boards Association Bridge Builder Award for fostering collaboration and turning challenges into opportunities.

In June 2022, Thomas was sworn in as the 55th President of the Florida School Board Association, representing the majority of Florida’s 358 school board members. He previously served as FSBA Vice President and President-Elect, chaired the Policy and Leadership Services Committees, and has been a Florida Certified Board Member since 2014 and an Advanced Certified Board Member since 2026. He currently serves on the FSBA Board of Directors for District 27 and was appointed chair of the FSBA Artificial Intelligence in Education Committee for the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 terms. He is also a founding member of a statewide Florida K–12 AI Task Force led by the University of Florida’s CS Everyone CS Everyone Center for Computer Science Education.

Living with dyslexia, Thomas has a personal understanding of the challenges faced by students with learning differences and a deep appreciation for educators who help them succeed. He is a strong believer in the power of technology to remove barriers and expand opportunities, a passion that has earned him the nickname “Techno Thom.”

Thomas Kennedy remains honored to serve Citrus County Schools and the community he has called home for more than three decades.