Thomas Wilkins was appointed music director of the Omaha Symphony in 2005, and he is also the resident conductor of the Detroit Symphony. Past positions have included resident conductor of the Florida Orchestra (Tampa Bay) and associate conductor of the Richmond Symphony (Virginia). He served on the music faculties of North Park University (Chicago), the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Committed to promoting a life-long enthusiasm for music, Thomas brings energy and commitment to audiences of all ages. For his significant contribution to the children of Tampa Bay, the Pinellas County Music Educators Association named him 1998 Friend of the Arts and the Hillsborough County Elementary Music Educators recognized him as 1998 Music Educator of the Year.

During his conducting career, Thomas has been featured with orchestras throughout the United States, including the Dallas Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Houston Symphony and the National Symphony in Washington D.C. He is also a frequent guest conductor of the Baltimore Symphony, the New Jersey Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra. This past summer marked debuts with the Utah Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra as well as the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Later this season will mark his debuts with the Rochester (NY) and Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestras.

Thomas actively participates in the life of his community as a frequent guest speaker and volunteer for local community organizations and schools. He has served on the board of directors of such organizations as the Center Against Spouse Abuse in Tampa Bay, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Academy Preparatory Center for Education, both in St. Petersburg. Currently, he serves as chairman of the board for the Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund.

A native of Norfolk, Va., Thomas earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in 1978. In 1982, he was awarded the Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Thomas and his wife, Sheri-Lee, have twin daughters, Erica and Nicole.