Tom Stephens

Experience

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  Federal Maritime Commission

  Sept 2002 - Mar 2005

  Successfully mediated and resolved issues between disputing parties in international seagoing commerce. Provided assistance to businesses and individuals on issues of international, federal, and state law and acted as liaison between common carriers and governmental agencies including the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard. Selected for Federal Government’s flagship leadership development program. Researched sophisticated legal issues and applied findings to prepare legal documents and negotiating positions for agency proceedings. Investigated activities of international seagoing common carriers and authored analytical reports and studies for internal policy-making.

  • Attorney and Ombudsman

    Sept 2004 - Mar 2005

  • Presidential Management Fellow

    Sept 2002 - Sept 2004
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  Commonwealth of Kentucky

  Apr 2005 - Dec 2007

  Led a cross-functional team of Cabinet’s attorneys, support staff, and outside legal counsel in trial and appellate practice before state and federal courts. Served as the Cabinet’s Custodian of Records and Ethics Officer. Spearheaded the smooth relocation of 660 state employees, while ensuring the continued operation of the Oakwood Mental Health facility. Oversaw legal affairs for the Cabinet’s Department of Employee Insurance administration of the Kentucky’s self- financed health insurance program covering in excess of 220,000 people. Implemented the Governor’s state-wide human resources agenda. Show less

  • General Counsel, Personnel Cabinet

    Jun 2006 - Dec 2007

  • Attorney, Justice and Pubic Safety Cabinet

    Apr 2005 - Jun 2006
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  Alltech

  May 2008 - Apr 2011

  I provided regulation, investigation, and legal compliance on corporate human resources matters. I also acted as Alltech's chief legal representative for Lexington Brewing and Distilling company's growth across 13 states.Some of my contributions to the organization include:• Led negotiations and completed intricate legal documentation, comprising the first federal distillery licensure for a brewery-distillery combination in Kentucky.• Enabled all Alltech animal health and nutrition business elements across Africa and the Middle East.• Developed and opened Foreign Asset Control compliance training program, while establishing research and development subsidiary. Show less I orchestrated operational aspects of a state-wide music festival, held in conjunction with the 2010 World Equestrian Games. I was strategically positioned as deputy director of Alltech's World Games Title Sponsorship activation.Some key highlights associated with this job role include:• Formulated innovative marketing, promotional, and advertising campaign materials.• Managed staff of 25+ team members, in producing and managing 59 concerts and 85 artist live performance shows in arenas with up to 22K seating capacity.• Negotiated with production companies, artists, and external agencies, such as the Beach Boys, the Temptations, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Josh Turner, Gary Allan, Miranda Lambert, and Nickelback. Show less

  • Corporate Counsel

    Jan 2008 - Apr 2011

  • Fortnight Festival Director

    May 2008 - Dec 2010
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  Stephens Enterprises, LLC

  Apr 2011 - now

  President

  At Stephens Enterprises, LLC, I delivered consultancy to businesses providing strategy, partnership opportunities, networking, and legal services. My key responsibilities included: handling residential real estate development, leading specialized support in diverse capacities, and bolstering regulatory compliance, HR, crisis management, PR, and event management.Following are some of my key achievements:• Completed first expert witness report for a major federal court trial.• Obtained state and federal spirits licensure for alcohol-infused ice cream producer, guiding negotiations for the company under the process of being acquired by venture capitalist group, while consulting for boutique wine and spirits distributor.• Renovated five single-family residences and began construction on three new properties during 2020.• Attained heavy equipment anti-theft device patent as part of a team attempting to sell the IP. Show less

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  Commonwealth of Kentucky

  Dec 2015 - Dec 2019

  Cabinet Secretary, Kentucky Personnel Cabinet

  As Cabinet Secretary - Human Resources, I was tasked with directing the entire state HR cabinet, leading recruitment/retention facets, and managing the distribution of a $1.6B annual payroll.I oversaw workforce planning and the state's largest self-funded health insurance plan with 300K eligible participants, making up 6% of the population, and a yearly spend of $2B. A small section of my notable accomplishments include:• Implemented MyPURPOSE talent management package to rebrand state employment to "Come for a job, stay for a career, make a difference for a lifetime" campaign.• Introduced and established state-backed optional dental and vision insurance.• Enhanced veteran's preferential benefits in employment legislation for service member spouses.• Enlarged Cabinet's Leadership and Diversity Conference, growing to largest of its kind within the state. Show less

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  Gilroy Group, LLC

  Feb 2020 - now

  Co-Founder
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  Kentucky Association of Health Plans

  Jan 2021 - now

  President