Tom Baltimore, the oldest of five children born to teenage parents, grew up in a poor, rural environment. Despite humble beginnings, all five siblings graduated college, fulfilling their mother’s dream. Tom’s father became a successful Baptist preacher, instilling values of faith, hard work, and the importance of education. Guided by principles of prayer, preparation, and perseverance, Tom excelled academically and professionally.
Tom’s career began in public accounting before transitioning to the hotel industry, working for Marriott and later Hilton. With the support of mentors-turned-sponsors, he launched a real estate investment company with Bob Johnson, becoming the largest African American hotel owners. They raised substantial funds through private equity and took their company, RLJ Lodging Trust, public in 2011. In 2016, Tom joined Hilton to oversee their real estate spin-off, navigating the challenges of the pandemic as CEO of Park Hotels and Resorts.
Serving on eight public company boards, Tom emphasizes the importance of preparation, active listening, and thoughtful contributions. He believes in the significant benefits of diversity in the boardroom, bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Tom remains optimistic about the future of Black representation on corporate boards, attributing progress to changing demographics and the recognition of the value diverse voices bring. He encourages aspiring leaders to seek out board service opportunities, as they offer the chance to impact companies, broaden skill sets, and forge meaningful relationships that can lead to lifelong benefits and unanticipated opportunities.
