Tom Allison
DIRECTOR OF STATE POLICY & FINANCE
Tom Allison brings over a decade of experience in education policy, finance, and research to his role as Director of State Policy & Finance at HCM Strategists. At HCM, Tom leads initiatives focused on developing sustainable higher education funding models and policies that prioritize affordability, accessibility, and workforce alignment.
Before joining HCM, Tom served as the Assistant Director of Finance & Innovation at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). During his tenure, he significantly shaped Virginia's higher education financial landscape by leading the redesign of the state's financial aid funding formula and advancing the state's free community college program. He also managed Virginia's Workforce Credential Grant, which helped students obtain industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields. Additionally, Tom advised the Governor's office and the General Assembly on key education policy and budgetary issues and directed the SCHEV Student Advisory Council, ensuring that student voices were integrated into state policy decisions.
Prior to his time at SCHEV, Tom served as the Deputy Policy & Research Director at Young Invincibles, a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for young adults. In this capacity, he led comprehensive research projects, oversaw data analysis, and developed policy recommendations to enhance education, workforce, and healthcare access for young adults nationwide.
Tom's extensive experience in the nonprofit and public sectors has equipped him with a deep understanding of the intersection between policy, finance, and education. His ability to navigate complex data and policy environments allows him to deliver actionable solutions that benefit students, institutions, and policymakers alike.
Tom holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from George Washington University and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and English from the University of Mary Washington.
When not working to improve higher education systems, Tom enjoys tinkering in his woodshop, building furniture, toys, and fixing up his century-old old house. Although he humbly admits that he may not excel in sports, he is proud of having captained a successful "datathon" team—a testament to his analytical insight and collaborative spirit.