Tom Gray
Managing Director & Head of California

Tom is a seasoned strategic advisor and consultant who specializes in helping companies grow in new markets. He brings a cross-functional approach to his work, combining expertise in politics and government, communications, business development, and direct marketing. Since leaving the public sector in 2014, Tom has partnered with leading firms across the tech, real estate, healthcare, mobility, media, and nonprofit sectors, helping his clients navigate risks and seize opportunities.

As head of Fontas Advisors’ California practice, Tom leads the firm’s Sacramento office and manages strategy for a broad portfolio of clients, including tech leaders such as Intel and SAS, global corporations such as Accenture and Lime Micromobility, and nonprofit organizations including Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Bay Area and the San Francisco Foundation.  

Consistent with Fontas Advisors’ mission, Tom specializes in building hands-on, collaborative partnerships with clients, focusing not just on the issue at hand, but also on the client’s bigger picture business opportunity. The boutique culture of the firm allows him and the California team to design a customized approach for each client engagement and curate bespoke teams to meet client needs in our rapidly evolving public affairs environment.

Tom has extensive knowledge of local and state politics and government, having spent a decade working in senior roles at New York City Council and the Office of the Public Advocate. In addition, he has a long track record of success partnering with the tech community and has worked hand-and-hand with companies like Google, Centene, and IBM to promote their missions, navigate challenges, and achieve success in New York. Throughout his career, he has also been involved in numerous federal, state, and local elections. Prior to joining Fontas Advisors, Tom was a management consultant and senior leader at Capalino where he built and led the business strategy practice. 

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Kent State University and was a member of the United States Coast Guard from 2000 to 2008. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a graduate of the Coro Leadership program. Tom lives in the East Bay with his wife and two children.