Commissioner Thomas is one of five kids who grew up in “The Steel City”, where she went to Steel Valley High School, watched the Steelers play football, and even had a summer job as the ‘token female’ in a steel mill.

After starting college at the University of Pittsburgh as a Jazz Guitar major, Claudia decided to reassess her career.  She and her cousin bought a van and went cross country with not much more than a few guitars, a mandolin and a CB radio.  (For the younger folks, that’s like a cellphone without the bells, beeps or bytes.) That trip led to her transferring to the University of Arizona, where she got a more practical degree in Business Administration. (But music hasn’t left her – she still plays guitar at local venues, like our own Theater West End.)

After college Claudia moved to Central Florida, where she started her career as a Recruiter in County Government. She then spent almost 30 years at Lockheed Martin, becoming their “PeopleSoft Guru” and receiving the company’s highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, three times.

After retiring as a Systems Integration Analyst Sr Staff, Claudia got active in the community, working on five Habitat for Humanity Women Builds, serving on the board at her local community theatre, and becoming a technology chair, communications chair, regional director and treasurer for several civic organizations. (She also worked as a ranger/starter at our own Mayfair Country Club, and is anxious to see our new clubhouse!)

“My wife and I, along with our furry family, chose Sanford as our home some time ago, seeing it as a vibrant and diverse community. We love our “small town with big city vibes” home and look forward to making it even better!”