Lattes with Legislators: Ohio State Representative-Elect David Thomas of the 65th District

A lifelong resident of Ashtabula County, David Thomas served on Austinburg Township’s zoning board at the age of 16, easing zoning regulations on business. As a college student at Washington and Lee University in Virginia, he worked in state and federal government positions, including in the Columbus Statehouse, United State House of Representatives and the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C. Yet, he chose to return to Ashtabula County because he wants to play a role in the future success of the community. Prior to being elected Auditor, Thomas was the the Fiscal Officer for Austinburg Township and employed full time at Grand River Academy. He received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Baldwin Wallace University.

Thomas is a product of Ashtabula and Trumbull counties. He spent much of his childhood and time today on his family’s farm and in Cortland. “I’ve been blessed with a family focused on service,” said Thomas. “My grandma Diana Marchese served Trumbull for 24 years as recorder; my grandfather Dominic Marchese has been a township trustee and leader in agriculture my other grandfather Ron Thomas gave his career to Delphi and Packard, helping many workers in that plant; and my grandmother Rosann Thomas devoted herself to her church and family.”

 

He was active in 4H in his youth and contributes much of his success to his community upbringing and family walk with God. 

 

Thomas was a coalition leader for the Ohioans for Payday Loan Reform and 2016 Ashtabula County LEADERship Graduate.

 

Presently, Thomas is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Northeast Ohio Auditor's Association, Chairs the Public Relations/Support Committee for the County Auditor's Association of Ohio, and is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Ohio Council of County Officials (OCCO). 

He also serves as a past president of the Geneva Rotary Club, After School Discovery, Ashtabula County Continued Education Support Services (ACCESS), Ashtabula County Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) and Paul Demshar Foundation, is president of the Conneaut Lions Club and a member of the Ashtabula Ridge Church of the Nazarene. He is a recipient of the 2017 Top 5 Under 45 Award for Ashtabula County and 2019 and 2022 Partner of the Year from the Ashtabula County Board of REALTORS.

He also serves as a past president of the Geneva Rotary Club, After School Discovery, Ashtabula County Continued Education Support Services (ACCESS), Ashtabula County Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) and Paul Demshar Foundation, is president of the Conneaut Lions Club and a member of the Ashtabula Ridge Church of the Nazarene. He is a recipient of the 2017 Top 5 Under 45 Award for Ashtabula County and 2019 and 2022 Partner of the Year from the Ashtabula County Board of REALTORS.