Thomas W. Nichols is a nonprofit executive, certified public accountant, and community leader with more than three decades of experience in finance, operations, governance, and organizational leadership. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Arcus Foundation, one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations dedicated to advancing LGBTQ social justice and conserving great apes and their habitats.
At Arcus, Tom provides executive leadership across finance, operations, grants management, human resources, information technology, facilities, risk management, and organizational planning. He has played a central role in guiding the foundation through periods of growth, strategic transformation, and international expansion, including the development of charitable initiatives in the United Kingdom.
Before joining Arcus, Tom held senior leadership positions in both the nonprofit and private sectors, bringing extensive expertise in financial stewardship, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and board governance. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for building strong teams, fostering collaborative leadership, and helping mission-driven organizations achieve lasting impact.
A longtime advocate for LGBTQ equality and community engagement, Tom has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles and has supported a wide range of philanthropic initiatives focused on social justice, arts and culture, community development, and public health. He is an active supporter of organizations serving South Florida’s LGBTQ community and is committed to strengthening the region’s nonprofit sector through effective governance, strategic philanthropy, and community partnership.
Tom and his partners, composer and pianist Dan Chadburn, and Jose Perez reside in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Together, they share a passion for music, philanthropy, community service, and creating spaces that inspire connection, inclusion, and hope.
