Many of you know Tom Ceci, recently appointed mayor to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Frank Budra. We recently sat down with Tom to learn more about him, his family, and the road he traveled to become mayor in one of the fast growing regions of North Texas.
As the saying goes, while not a native of Pottsboro, Tom got here as quickly as he could. What started as a family road trip to Texas in the summer of 1978, two weeks later turned into the purchase of 14 acres off Cemetery Road and a lifelong love of the community. In the fall of 1979, Tom enrolled at Pottsboro High School and while apprehensive about being new to the community, quickly realized how receptive and welcoming the folks here could be. As a freshman, he began volunteering at the Pottsboro Fire Department, jokingly because he got to wear a pager and get out of class when they needed help! He continued volunteering throughout high school and, upon graduation, chose to volunteer at the Preston Fire Department and become an EMT.
While learning the construction business from his stepfather, Lee, Tom also worked as an EMT for Preston Fire. When the department offered to send him to Paramedic School at Grayson College, it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse. Shortly after graduating, he started his own construction company, Ceci Construction, and worked the next 32 years for the Sherman Fire Department. In 1998, Tom met his now business partner Scott Bates, and shortly thereafter, formed CeciBates Custom Homes which is still thriving today.
Tom met his current wife and best friend, Stacy, in 1979 and were friends throughout the years. They married in 2013 and between them, they have five daughters: Nichole, Abby, Tayler, Kendal, and Morgan who have given them six beautiful grandchildren, Weston, Sutton, Norah, Adam, Alina, and Marlowe. They built their forever home on Stacy’s family property in Pottsboro and intend on living there the rest of their lives.
What do you love most about the community?
One thing I love most about Pottsboro is the camaraderie among the people who live in our city. I remember playing sports and so many people would show up and cheer us on wherever we played, you know, like the saying “Last one out, turn out the lights!” I mean, what an inspiration and feeling of pride as the bus is pulling out of town and your neighbors, some you didn’t even know, standing in a line wishing you luck. It still gives me goosebumps! That tradition has never died to this day. Our community comes together and no matter who or what, we back our friends and neighbors.
What motivates you to give so much to the area?
Well, all my life I have volunteered in one thing or another. It’s hard to explain the feeling you receive when you do something good for someone else. In my personal experience as a First Responder, helping people through life threatening events made a more obvious difference to someone's family or property. That said, just living in a rural area where there is a lack of funding, being a good neighbor and pitching in is helping your community thrive.
How do you balance work, volunteerism, and family?
There is a fine line every day that you think about while wearing all these hats. Balancing the responsibilities of being a Mayor, business owner, and volunteer is challenging, but having a strong team and a supportive family makes all the difference. My wife Stacy, who also gives her time to our community, and our family provide unwavering support. Their backing allows me to dedicate my time and energy to serving our community.
Was there something specific that inspired you to the Mayor’s office?
First of all, I never thought I would be in a political position. One thing I have learned in life is that people inspire you to do things you never thought about doing. Pottsboro itself inspires me. I see a community of people who love this town and want to raise their families in a safe environment, work hard, and worship together. Unity is our commitment to each other and our children. There are so many leaders in our community, teachers, coaches, police officers, etc. that are all sources of inspiration for us all.
What is Pottsboro’s greatest asset?
There are so many things that make Pottsboro the greatest! One thing that really sticks out in my mind the most is our educational experience from kindergarten through High School. People come to our city just for this reason, and why not? We have such great staff, parents, and a community support that is second to none.
What is something you know about Pottsboro you wish everyone knew?
One thing I know is that no matter where you live in Pottsboro, inside or outside the city limits, we are “One Community” with the same desires in life, values for our family and commitment to our community. One thing I have learned as a First Responder is that God does not discriminate between race, beliefs, boundaries or age; we are all as one together.
Our community comes together and no matter who or what, we back our friends and neighbors.