Tommy Leeman is a dynamic and resolute community leader who is passionate about making our city a better place for everyone. With a proven history of effective leadership, Tommy is running for mayor to bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a collaborative spirit to our city government.

Born into a Navy SeaBee family at Naval Base Ventura County, Tommy was raised in the vibrant Ocean View community. His parents divorced when he was young and his early years were shaped by his single mother’s resilience and hard work. Educated in Norfolk’s public schools, Tommy excelled academically and discovered his passion for the electrical field through the Vocational/Technical (VoTech) School program.

Professional Experience: Tommy pursued a career as a journeyman electrician through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) apprenticeship program, where he graduated with honors. Tommy’s commitment to his craft led him to teach at the VoTech School while concurrently building his small electrical business, becoming one of Norfolk’s youngest Master Electricians.

After many years of leading and growing his small business, Tommy was encouraged to join a financial investment firm, A.G. Edwards, and to pursue a new career track as a financial advisor. This leap of faith led Tommy to hang up his electrical wire cutters and join A.G. Edwards in 1999. In 2005, Tommy was the recipient of the Top 40 under 40 from Inside Business. Since 2020, Tommy has been a parter at Steward Partners and has demonstrated persistence, honesty, an unfailing work ethic, and an ability to connect with people to make them feel secure. 

Personal Life: While teaching and working as a Master Electrician, Tommy met and married his partner of over 26 years, Margaret (Meg) Gallatin. Meg and Tommy welcomed their first son in 2000 and their second in 2002. After moving from their first home in Colonial Place to a fixer-upper in Ghent, Meg and Tommy have spent over 20 years working to restore their historic home. Their sons, Boyd and Miller, graduated from Norfolk Public Schools with honors.

Community Engagement: Tommy’s deep connection to the community is evident through his extensive involvement in local non-profit organizations and community groups. During their formative years, Tommy devoted much of his spare time to coaching his two sons at Fleet Park Little League and volunteered at the varsity level with Granby High School, his alma mater.

Tommy and Meg are very active in their church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ghent. Tommy has served as a Parish Financial Council member for several years. He has also sponsored candidates for Confirmation, done volunteer electrical work, worked the soup kitchen and helped extensively with the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST), a church led program to shelter the homeless during critical months.

He supports Norfolk’s effort to thrive and grow with his mentorship to the Downtown 100. In 2015 he was elected to the Downtown Norfolk Council and served as the Board Chair and an Ambassador to Downtown Norfolk during major events. For over a decade, Tommy has been a big supporter of ForKids. This grass-roots organization has dedicated itself to ending the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Hampton Roads. ForKids has seen tremendous growth and success, partly due to leaders like Tommy, who continue to champion this cause.

Tommy Leeman is not just a candidate; he is an enthusiastic advocate for positive change and a leader who will work tirelessly to build a city that thrives on diversity, collaboration, and progress. With his experience, vision, and dedication, Tommy is ready to lead our city into a bright and prosperous future.