Tom Stotts—2022 Outstanding Alumni

Tom excelled as a student at Tri-Rivers. And, he continues to excel and go above and beyond in any position he holds or any organization he represents… He is truly a servant leader.

After graduating in 1996 from our Diversified Business/Marketing program, he continued his education at Marion Technical College earning an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Marion Law Enforcement Academy in 2000. Then in 2010 he earned his Bachelors of Science in Public Safety Management from Franklin University.

Tom started his government career in 2000 as a dispatcher with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, then he went to work for the Marion County Common Pleas Court as a probation officer/pre-sentence investigator. Shortly, after completing the police academy, he worked for 7 years at the Mt. Gilead Police Department as an auxiliary officer then later as a part-time officer while concurrently working for the court.

He always keeps busy! He’s never doing just one thing… In 2012 he became the Chief Probation Officer at the Marion Municipal Court— that’s where he is currently employed.

In 2013, Tom worked with Marion County Adult Probation, Marion County Prosecutors Office, and Marion Law Director’s Office to create Marion’s first Diversion Program that served both felony and misdemeanor cases.  Marion County Adult Probation Department wrote the grant, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office maintained the grant and Marion Municipal Court furnished the office and office supplies for the position. While the collaborative position doesn’t exist today, the diversion program at Marion Municipal Court is flourishing with great success.

In 2019, Tom worked with ADAMH Board to hire the very first case manager for the court. This position assisted those who are addicted to opioids by expediting them into treatment…as opposed to sitting in jail.  He is always thinking about how to help people recover and regain their lives.

Tom is an exceptional individual, we are so  proud of his accomplishments! In 2020 MarionMade featured the probation department as a department that improves lives of clients and the community. Tom is all about improving lives…

In 2020, Tom was elected the President of the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association for the years 2021 and 2022. Prior to serving as president, he served on the board as treasurer, secretary, and vice president.

His contributions to our community were recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into Marion Tech’s Alumni Hall of Fame. He was also MTC’s keynote speaker at their 2020 graduation. And he also serves on MTC’s Foundation Board of Directors.

…He also has served on the Marion Matters Board and is currently their treasurer.

Tom is truly a servant leader. He focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. Tom’s goal is to serve the greater good. He is an Outstanding Tri-Rivers Alumni because of his professionalism, his caring ways, his high energy and his love of people. Tom, you are AMAZING Alumni. Congratulations!

Introduction by Ellen Messenger