He is too humble to admit it, but to me, Dr. Tom Kodadek is a visionary on a path to pioneering breakthroughs that could redefine how we treat some of the world's most challenging diseases. "I spend most of my time running a research group focused on better ways to make medicines to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. My lab developed catalytic drugs that target bad proteins in the body, destroying them without using highly toxic chemicals, which reduces the likelihood of a recurrence. After our work was published, teams from Yale and Cal Tech expanded on it to make it more practical, and it entered clinical trials."

As a Professor of Chemistry at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology he manages a team of ten scientists. "I provide strategic direction but give my employees/trainees a lot of leeway in making "tactical level" decisions. I try to motivate rather than push." In addition to his academic role, Tom is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded Deluge Biotechnologies and Triana Biomedicines. Currently, he is helping to shape Eidekos, lending his expertise as a consultant as they work to develop drugs that improve patient care.

So why did a scientist want to join the Economic Council of Palm Beach County? “Back in 2019, I was highly focused on helping to develop a biotech industry in the county. So, connecting with the Economic Council seemed likely to be helpful. Plus, I am very interested many of the other things the Council deals with. With respect to jump starting the biotech industry here, I have learned that this is going to be harder than I thought. The major venture capital firms in established centers aren’t thrilled about starting companies in what they view as “the backwoods (scientifically speaking)” because they are skeptical there is sufficient talent here. But it remains a worthwhile long-term goal. It’s just that we are going to have to build an entire ecosystem to support this type of business development.

He believes that continued investment in high-level graduate education in the region will help. "I love that Vanderbilt is expanding here. That is really important. Before coming to South Florida, I was in Austin and San Francisco, and it's eye-opening to see the massive economic impact an elite research university can have when embedded in an attractive urban environment. It's why Boston is the center of the universe for biotech and why Silicon Valley sprung up near San Francisco/Palo Alto. Vanderbilt will be a great addition, and I hope UF will continue to invest in our campus.” But Tom thinks more is necessary. “FAU is the only public university in our region, and, in my view, it needs to be nurtured to a much bigger producer of graduate-level talent. This will require that FAU begins to enjoy a level of State support closer to that showered on UF and FSU, which is not currently the case."

His passion for public policy and advocacy is why he remains an active council participant. "I am particularly excited that the Council is so invested in making sure the County has the best education system possible, at all levels. Another seminal problem that the Council has taken a lead on is ameliorating the affordable housing crisis. I am very happy to participate in these efforts." Indeed, Tom is confident about the county's outlook over the next ten years. "This is simply a great place to live. I am very optimistic about the future as long as we can ensure that folks earning less than $100K a year can live here comfortably and that their kids can get a great education."

A Chicago native, Tom came to Florida to study at the University of Miami in 1977." I thought I wanted to be a marine biologist, but then I discovered the molecular level stuff. While research dives to study sharks was kind of cool, rearranging atoms and making novel medicines is even cooler."

While a graduate student at Stanford, he had the fortune of learning from Linus Pauling. Pauling, one of the founders of the fields of quantum chemistry and molecular biology, would become a mentor and shape Tom's approach toward others. "Linus Pauling was an Emeritus professor and nearing the end of his career, so he had a bit of time to spend mentoring some of us. Linus was one of the great minds of the 20th century and one of the few people to win two Nobel prizes.” Tom absorbed several things just by talking to him. “First, it was great to still see an almost child-like excitement from such an august figure whenever he learned something new scientifically. He made me realize how lucky we are to have the resources to do exciting, high-level scientific research. Best job in the world. Second, I learned not to get too impressed with myself. Once I got to know Linus, I quickly concluded that while I am not stupid, I am certainly no Linus Pauling. He was a true genius.”

He also finds inspiration and takes lessons from two of the greatest leaders of World War II, a period he is fascinated with because of its pivotal role in shaping world history. "Douglas MacArthur and Winston Churchill, for largely the same reasons. Both were brilliant at what they did. MacArthur in terms of military strategy and Churchill as an orator and wartime leader. They both clearly proved that great people can do great things if they are in the right place at the right time. Having said that, both were eventually brought down, partly by their hubris and certain personal flaws. So, I learned to do everything you can to be great, but don't put yourself on a pedestal."

Instead, that pedestal is reserved for someone else—his wife, Ofie. A retired pulmonary critical care physician and former CEO of Deluge, Ofie and Tom have shared 44 years together, married for forty-one. “We met while at the University of Miami. We knew each other for two years and then found ourselves at the same pajama party at the Honors dorm.” Luckily for him, it was a hot and humid night. “Her air conditioning did not work, and as a gentleman, I invited her over to stay.” Naturally, their love of science and medicine is central to their lives, but their twenty-six-year-old daughter Cristina chose a different path. “She initially wanted to be a chemist but instead got a business degree and consults for Capgemini.”

In his free time, Tom enjoys sports, a good bourbon and is passionate about ocean conservation. He serves on the Loggerhead Marine Life Center Board and chairs the education committee. He also contributes to several other local organizations, approaching each with his Midwestern practicality and a natural curiosity to look past what is present to what could be.” I have learned to treat everyone fairly, give credit where credit is due (all too many scientists don't do a very good job of that), and just enjoy the privilege of doing what I do and living where I live."