Employee Spotlight: Tom Poff, Electrical Practice Leader

If we were to use one word to describe electrical practice leader, Tom Poff, it would be, “teacher.” Educating the next generation of SHP designers and engineers is the reason Tom gets out of bed in the morning.

“Tom is one of the most time-generous people we have at SHP,” says President and CEO Jeffrey Sackenheim. “He is never too busy to have a conversation with one of his coworkers, young or old, to help them become better at what they do. It’s simply in his DNA.”

While Tom has been with SHP since 2016, he’s had a lasting impact on the young minds he’s helped to mold. He is an outstanding educator and leader who believes in lifelong learning to the fullest extent. Reflecting his exceptional contributions and commitment to SHP, Tom is one of five new principals who joined our leadership team earlier this year.

“Helping young engineers and co-ops learn the craft is my favorite part of working with SHP,” says Tom. “I want someone to say they learned something from me, just as I learned from the teachers before me.”

For 38 years, Tom has perfected his skills as an electrical designer. His portfolio spans everything from amusement parks — including his all-time favorite project, renovating Cedar Point’s Steel Vengeance roller coaster — to healthcare. And, as he says, he is enjoying every moment of his journey.

Though he enjoys his profession, Tom knows how to let loose when he’s not in the office. He enjoys spending time and traveling with his family, working on construction projects (yes, he really does that in his free time!) and whitewater rafting. 

“Travelling with my wife is one of our favorite activities. Enjoying life with the one you love is the most important thing to me,” notes Tom. “Well, that and spoiling my grandbabies!”