About me
Tom Saxton is a veteran education and workforce development leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning K–12, postsecondary, adult education, and correctional education. He currently serves as Assistant Director of Manatee Technical College, where he oversees adult education and career and technical education (CTE) programs, leads program evaluation and improvement efforts, and supports the effective management of campus operations, personnel, and student services.
Tom’s career reflects a deep commitment to expanding high‑quality workforce pathways and strengthening alignment between education and industry. Prior to joining Manatee Technical College, he served as Director of Gadsden Technical College and Director of Career and Technical Education for Gadsden County Schools. In these dual roles, he led districtwide CTE strategy, managed all adult education and workforce programs, oversaw campus operations, and directed budgeting, program evaluation, and policy development. His leadership helped enhance program quality, expand access to training, and improve student outcomes across the region.
Tom’s experience also includes serving as an Assistant Principal in Pasco County Schools, where he oversaw CTE programming, state and district testing, ESE and ESOL services, and schoolwide personnel development. Earlier in his career, he served as a CTE Program Coordinator for Pasco County Schools, where he led countywide curriculum implementation, new teacher orientation and mentoring, Perkins grant administration, and districtwide industry certification initiatives—earning the 2016 Exemplary Performance Award for his contributions.
His background also includes leadership in correctional education as Education Administrator at Gadsden Correctional Facility, where he managed comprehensive academic, vocational, and library programs for diverse adult learners. Tom began his career as a business and technology instructor, later advancing into roles supporting curriculum development, teacher mentoring, crisis management, and community partnerships. His work has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Ida S. Baker Award and Teacher of the Year.
Tom holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Jones International University, a teaching certificate in Marketing and Business Education from North Carolina State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Florida State University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Liberty University.
A collaborative and student‑centered leader, Tom is dedicated to strengthening workforce pipelines, supporting educator development, and advancing CTE programs that meet the evolving needs of students, employers, and communities.
