Thomas J. Curnes, Vice Chair

Tom Curnes’ commitment to the Buell Foundation dates to the 1980s, when he knew Temple Hoyne Buell both professionally and personally.  He has served on the Board continuously since 1984, making him the longest-tenured Trustee in the Board’s history.  He also served as the Executive Director of the Buell Foundation from July 1993 through January 1995.

Mr. Curnes is from the west side of Chicago and received his Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Notre Dame and then attained his JD from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

Mr. Curnes has an extensive background in commercial real estate.  He was originally involved in the Foundation’s ownership and selling of various properties in Colorado. He is presently involved in a family-owned business managing legacy oil and gas companies in Dallas, Texas.