Thomas R. Smigiel Jr.

Thomas R. Smigiel Jr., Ward 5

Phone: 757-664-4293
Email Thomas Smigiel
Current Term:  January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2026

Thomas "Tommy" R. Smigiel Jr. was elected to City Council in 2010 and represents Ward 5 (PDF). 

Councilman Smigiel is the principal of Granby High School. He previously served as the principal of the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood. Prior to becoming principal, he served as an Assistant Principal at both Granby and Lake Taylor High Schools. He was recognized as Norfolk Teacher of the Year in 2007 and was notably selected as the 2008 Virginia Teacher of the Year, and one of four finalists for National Teacher of the Year. He taught Earth Science and Leadership at Norview High School.

 Mr. Smigiel co-chairs the East Little Creek Road Advisory Committee and the Mayor’s Ocean View Advisory Committee.  On October 8, 2019, Councilman Smigiel was elected as the 100th President of the Virginia Municipal League (VML) and served on the 2020-2021 Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President.  He returned to VML's Board of Directors as the Urban Section Chair in 2024.   He is also a past member of the Old Dominion University Darden College of Education and Professional Studies Advisory Board, and the YMCA’s Youth Advisory Committee.  Prior to being elected to office, Mr. Smigiel served as the Treasurer of the Ocean View Civic League and then Vice President of the East Ocean View Civic League.

 A life-long Norfolk resident, Mr. Smigiel attended St. Pius X Catholic School, graduated from Norview High School, and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Old Dominion University, where he served as Student Body President. He later earned a master’s degree in administration from Cambridge College and his Educational Specialist Degree from Walden University.

Councilman Smigiel was honored for his work in education with the 2009 Old Dominion University Distinguished Alumni Award.  In 2015, he was recognized by Inside Business as a Top 40 Under 40 Leader in Hampton Roads.  In 2024 he was honored by Old Dominion University's Darden College of Education and Professional Studies as a Darden Fellow for his work with our schools and community.

 He is married to Shannon Walsh, an elementary school counselor, and they have two daughters and one son.