Hailed as a tireless champion for individuals with disabilities, Tom Reardon, vice president of the Premier Alliances, Inc. board of directors and former Sierra Vista City Council member, was recognized Thursday evening by Sierra Vista’s Commission on Disability Issues for his years of advocacy in the community.

Tom, who worked closely with the commission as a city council liaison during his time on the council before wrapping up a two-year term as a commission member in 2017, was presented with CoDI’s VistAbility Award during the city council’s regular meeting by commission member Lori Schectman, commission chair Stu Carter, and vice chair Kelly Norris.

“(Tom) has been volunteering and fighting for all of the different populations [with] various disabilities for a long time, and he brings many talents to the table when he does that,” Lori said.

In addition to his service on Premier Alliances’ board, Tom’s relentless desire to improve his community has lead him to serve on the boards of several other local organizations, such as Wellness Connections and the Southeastern Arizona chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Health.

“For most people, you ask ‘what do you do?’ For Tom, you ask ‘what don’t you do?’” Lori said during the presentation. “To me, you represent the best of this city and its citizens, someone who has a constant concern for others.”

Calling the award a “great honor,” Tom noted the support from city staff liaisons Tina Moore and Jeff Pregler had been key to CoDI’s efforts during his time working with the commission.

“They really make things happen,” he said.

CoDI and its efforts to ensure that Sierra Vista meets the needs of all of its residents will continue to play a key role in the city’s future, especially as the city works to draw in new and innovative industries, Tom said.

“I really believe that CoDI is going to be an integral part of the city’s very successful economic development campaign, so that we can tell the search teams coming out to Sierra Vista what we are doing for our disabled population, and that makes a big difference.”