T.W. Lewis Foundation

About Us

Purpose

History

Staff

"To truly be successful, we need to continue to pursue worthy ideals in all facets of our lives, including personal, family, friendships, and career."

Tom Lewis

INTRODUCTION OF US

We have helped more than XXXX number of families

The purpose of the T.W. Lewis Foundation is to help children and families in need, impact youth through Christian education, support civic minded causes in our community, strengthen America, and build God’s kingdom.

Our Story

Formed in 2000 by Tom and Jan Lewis, the T.W. Lewis Foundation has provided college scholarships to over 200 future leaders, made gifts to dozens of non-profits that help children and families in need, and supported youth education organizations that build character and encourage civic engagement. They have also provided leadership and financial support for a wide variety of community based organizations.

Children and Family

Educating Our Youth

Civic and Cultural

Strengthening America

Our History

1984 - 1986

The Beginning

In 1984, Tom Lewis joined Trammell Crow Residential as its Regional Partner in the southwest, focusing on multi-family development and management. In 1986, he founded Trammell Crow Homes.

1984 - 1986

1991 - 2009

Establishing T.W. Lewis

By 1991, Tom had purchased his partner’s interest and established T.W. Lewis Company, quickly earning a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. The company received numerous awards, including America’s Best Builder in 1998 and the National Housing Quality Gold Award in 2009. Tom was also the first inductee into the National Housing Quality Hall of Fame.

1991 - 2009

2012 - Present

The Transition

In 2012, Tom transitioned out of homebuilding, selling that part of the business to David Weekley Homes. From 2012 to 2016, T.W. Lewis partnered with David Weekley Homes in Phoenix. Today, we focus on philanthropy and real estate investments, maintaining our commitment to integrity, quality, and long-term relationships.

2012 - Present

Our Leadership

Thomas W. Lewis

CEO/Owner

Tom Lewis is the Founder, Owner and CEO of T.W. Lewis Company, a Phoenix, Arizona, based real estate investment company known for its quality and outstanding customer service in the homebuilding industry. T.W. Lewis Company, founded in 1991, has received numerous industry awards including America's Best Builder in 1998 and the National Housing Quality Gold Award in 2009.

Individual awards given to Tom include: Arizona Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 1994, Arizona Business Leadership Award in 2006 and the Arizona "Good Scout" Award from Boy Scouts of America in 2007. He was also honored as a Significant Sig by the Sigma Chi Fraternity in 2007 and received the University of North Carolina MBA Alumni Merit Award in 2011. In 2013, Tom received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Professional Builder Magazine and the National Housing Quality Award Committee and was named the first inductee into the National Housing Quality Hall of Fame. In 2015, Tom was named to the University of Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni, and in 2018, he received the Adams Entrepreneurial Pioneer Award from UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Tom received his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky and his Master's in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a former Chairman of the Arizona Chapter of Young President's Organization and a member of World President's Organization and CEO International.

Bio

Steve Smith

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Steve manages grant distribution, evaluations, and activities to enhance the Foundation's overall core program areas.

Prior to joining the T.W. Lewis Foundation, Steve was the Director for the American Federation for Children, the nation's largest school choice organization, and was nationally recognized for helping bring universal school choice to Arizona and throughout the country.

In 2010, Steve was elected and became one of the youngest Senators in Arizona's history. He served in the Legislature for 8 years and was the Chairman of the Commerce and the Public Safety and Military Committees. Steve was ranked as the #1 Legislator in Arizona and was widely recognized for his work in balancing the state budget, protecting the rights of families, and supporting our military and first responders.

Bio

Dana Fingleton

Executive Assistant to Tom Lewis

Dana Joined T.W. Lewis in August of 2017 as Executive Assistant to Tom Lewis. Dana has a diverse professional background, including in-depth experience in supporting C-Suite Executives, Outside Sales, Marketing, Project Management and Property Management. Dana holds a B.S. in Marketing from Arizona State University.

Bio

Alan Peril

Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer, Alan assists in the Company's operational, investment, and philanthropic endeavors.

Alan has served in executive finance and operating roles in the areas of family wealth, real estate, private and publicly traded financial investments, tax, estate, and philanthropy. He has also served as a senior executive for public and private real estate companies, assisting in acquiring, financing, entitling, developing, managing, and disposing of over $1 billion single family, multifamily, commercial, and land assets.

Alan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Southern California, serves on the Board of the Arizona chapter of Financial Executives International, the Advisory Board of the Phoenix Diocese of St. Vincent de Paul, and is a former CPA and licensed real estate agent in the state of Arizona.

Bio

Michelle Arndt

Senior Grant Director

Michelle joined T.W. Lewis Foundation in August 2021 as the Foundation Coordinator. In her role, she coordinates the Foundation's activities, participates in annual business plan preparations, manages the grant process including applications, agreements and reporting from grantees. She also represents the Foundation in the community by attending meetings, site visits and events.

Prior to working at T.W. Lewis Foundation, Michelle worked at the Arizona Community Foundation for 9 years, her most recent role was as Senior Philanthropic Advisor. She managed a portfolio of over 150 donors, working with them to fulfill their philanthropic endeavors and manage their funds. Michelle has worked in the Arizona nonprofit sector for over 20 years and is extremely familiar with local, national and international nonprofit organizations.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University. In addition, she is a designated Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) through the American College of Financial Services. Michelle serves on the Board of Directors of Helping Hands for Single Moms and is a member of 100+ Women Who Care philanthropy group.

Bio

Dana Fingleton

Executive Assistant to Tom Lewis

Dana Joined T.W. Lewis in August of 2017 as Executive Assistant to Tom Lewis. Dana has a diverse professional background, including in-depth experience in supporting C-Suite Executives, Outside Sales, Marketing, Project Management and Property Management. Dana holds a B.S. in Marketing from Arizona State University.

Bio
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