Thinking Differently About Living in Cities
Tom Fox has spent a lifetime developing innovative projects, facilitating public-private partnerships, shaping public policy and spearheading efforts to revitalize abandoned waterfronts, protect nature and reclaim vacant land in the city.
He has received numerous awards from professional, civic and environmental organizations, a BS in Biology from Brooklyn College and a Loeb Fellowship in Advanced Environmental Studies from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Graduate students at Columbia University’s School of Journalism produced this six-minute profile of his work.
An author, opinions columnist, and photographer, Tom has produced and managed special events, demonstrations, rallies and concerts in support of urban open spaces. Through research, planning, advocacy, writing and entrepreneurship, he’s galvanized public, private, philanthropic and media support of projects that create and enhance open spaces in neighborhoods where it’s critically needed, preserve nature and enhance the economy, sustainability and livability of cities. He is fortunate to have participated in a world-wide environmental movement and helped realize a more sustainable future for New York City.
Selected Awards and Appointments
2017 Conservation Achievement Award, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
2013 Mediterranean Award for the Environment, Fondazione Mediterraneo, Naples, Italy
2010 President, InterFerry
2009 US Merchant Marine Outstanding Achievement Medal (Flight 1549 rescue in the Hudson River)
2001-2004 Faculty Member, American Planning Association – City Park Forum
2000 Certificate of Appreciation, New York City, Office of the Mayor
1999 Certificate of Appreciation, Gateway National Recreation Area
1996-1998 Technical Advisory Committee, West Midtown Transit Improvement Study
1995 Certificate of Appreciation, Secretary of Defense
1992-1994 Advisory Committee, New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan
1991 Finalist, Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence
1990 Merit Award, American Society of Landscape Architects
1989 President’s Award, American Society of Landscape Architects, New York Chapter
1989 Grassroots Activist Award, New York City Audubon Society
1988-1990 West Side Waterfront Panel, Gubernatorial Appointee
1988-1989 Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, Loeb Fellowship in Advanced Environmental Studies
1987-1989 NYS Urban Cultural Parks Advisory Council
1986-1987 West Side Task Force, Gubernatorial Appointee
1982-1987 NYC Open Space Task Force, Executive Committee, Mayoral Appointee
Selected Board Memberships
Current
Brooklyn Waterfront Research Center, Advisory Board
Hudson River Park Advisory Council, Member
InterFerry, Honorary Board Member
Worldwide Ferry Safety Association, Board Member
Past
2015-2017 Riverside Marine BC Ltd., North American Director
2001-2011 New York Water Taxi, President and CEO
2007-2011 Brooklyn Greenway Initiative, Board Member
2006-2011 Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee’s, Co-Chair Passenger Vessels
2002 – 2005 NYC 2012, Environmental Committee
1998-2011 Friends of the Hudson River Park, Board Member
1990-2015 State Council on Waterways, Board Member
1996-1998 Hudson River Park Alliance, Executive Committee
1995-1999 New York City Nonprofit Coordinating Committee, Board Member
1990-1996 Brooklyn Sports Foundation, Board Member
1990-1994 Vietnam Veterans of America, Manhattan Chapter 126, Vice President
1988-1992 Brooklyn Bridge Park Coalition, Founding Co-chair
1988-1991 Flushing Meadow Corona Park Corporation, Board Member
1986-1989 Friends of Gateway NRA, President
1984-1986 American Community Gardening Association, Vice President
1983-1985 Northeast Organic Farmers Association (N0FA-NY), Board Member
1977-1979 Green Guerillas, Vice President