Biography & Career

Steve was born in Hampton, Virginia at Langley Field Air Force Base to Avery and Catherine (Lamberth) Thomas. After serving in the Air Force, his father became a lawyer and was politically active in the Democratic party, eventually becoming the City Attorney for Newport News, Virginia. His mother, who just celebrated her 90th birthday, worked in banking throughout her career. Steve and his sister Vicki grew up in Newport News, graduating from Menchville High School.

Steve initially planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and go into politics, so chose The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Government.

Steve planned to continue his studies and work his way through law school, but with a looming recession there were no jobs in the legal profession. After seeing over 20 pages of jobs in the computer field, he saw the future and shifted his career plans. He studied computer science and mathematics, earning a master’s degree in computer science from American University in Washington, D.C.

While living in Northern Virginia, Steve became active in forming several local civic organizations in Prince William County, so residents had a say in land use and development in their community.

Steve’s been an Ohioan for nearly 30 years. He came for a job as Vice President of Research & Development for Legent Corporation but when the company was sold the following year, he was going to be out of a job. That’s when Steve decided to start an eLearning software business and brought on 3 partners to form Pathlore Software in Columbus, Ohio. As CEO, Steve lead Pathlore to become one of the worldwide leaders in online education technology. Steve eventually led the sale of the company to SumTotal Systems, a public company, and joined the board-of-directors.

Steve’s not the type of guy that will ever retire; he’s a life-long learner who has continuously taught himself new technologies. Steve’s become an expert in blockchain, the technology behind the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. He developed blockchain software to track campaign financing, consulted on blockchain technology and token (cryptocurrency) economics.

Steve resides in Delaware, Ohio with his wife Jana and their two teenaged sons. Steve has two adult children as well. Jana grew up in Mansfield, Ohio and is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in journalism.

Steve and his son Brian co-wrote the book “Marketing Automation Foundation” a how-to for social media marketing. He was also an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.

Steve is running for the United States Congress to represent the Ohio 4^th District because its best interests are neither being served nor promoted by Jim Jordan.

Jim Jordan does not represent the best of Ohio values, nor does he place the interest of our district above those of national party politics and his own self-interest. In Mr. Jordan’s 16 years in Congress, he hasn’t sponsored any legislation that directly impacts the 4th district.

Steve believes he and the people living in the district deserve better, that’s why he’s Running to bring economic opportunity to the 4th district.

Steve knows how to solve problems and get results because he’s spent his career doing it. He has the intelligence, tenacity, grit, and leadership ability to do the right things for Ohio’s 4th and our nation.