Tom Banning has served as CEO/EVP of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP) since October 2007.
During college Tom worked as a researcher for the Dallas Morning News Capitol bureau. In 1996, Tom was tapped by Shipley & Associates, a nationally renowned political consulting firm, to direct a public affairs and media relations campaign for the State of Texas’ groundbreaking $17.3 billion lawsuit against the tobacco industry. While at Shipley & Associates, Tom also coordinated numerous political campaigns for members of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. He also provided strategic communication and crisis management plans for clients ranging from statewide trade associations to Fortune 500 companies.
In his capacity as CEO/EVP, Tom directs overall strategic planning, legislative strategy, grass roots, political action, continuing medical education, membership and communications activities for the largest specialty society in Texas, with more than 9,000 active members. Tom has helped Texas family physicians realize the power of political involvement and grassroots that has resulted in the passage of key legislation including long sought, comprehensive tort reform, landmark patient protection and managed care laws, and numerous public health initiatives.
He graduated from the University of Texas in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and remains an avid (some would say rabid) UT sports fan.
Texas Covered is the largest event of its kind in Texas and brings together decision-makers from across the health care spectrum—from major health plans, providers and regulators, to legislators, journalists, academics and more.
