Member Spotlight

Lifelong Legacy: Tom Tinder Remains a Cornerstone of the NCBF Family

Tom Tinder is a shining example that National Conference of Bar Foundations (NCBF) individual members have a lasting impact on the bar foundation community—both in their home state and nationally.

As a longtime leader and former Executive Director of the West Virginia Bar Foundation, Tom’s influence extended nationally when he served as Past President of the NCBF during the 2010-2011 and 2021-2022 terms. His dedication was recognized in 2015 when he became the inaugural recipient of the NCBF Excellence Award, honoring his contributions to bar foundations and their missions of access to justice, legal education, and philanthropy.

Even after stepping down from formal leadership roles, Tom has remained actively involved—currently serving on the NCBF Membership Committee to recruit new members, sharing thoughtful ideas (such as his “Four or More Ideas for Your Consideration” in newsletters like the (October & November 2023 issue), and participating in events. He continues to contribute wisdom, support, and enthusiasm, demonstrating that leaving a bar foundation role—or even retiring—does not mean leaving the NCBF family. The connections, friendships, and commitment to improving the justice system endure.

Tom shared these reflections on what NCBF has meant to him and the West Virginia Bar Foundation over more than three decades of involvement:

“I am truly honored to be featured in the NCBF Member Spotlight. NCBF was the best organization I participated in during my time as the initial Executive Director of the West Virginia Bar Foundation and later as a Board member. It was instrumental in my involvement with other philanthropic and nonprofit entities.

Here are some of the key benefits I received from longtime NCBF membership:

• Never left an NCBF meeting without ‘stealing’ an idea, program, or activity from fellow members.
• Having a one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact and learn from both volunteer and staff leaders across the country.
• Being able to get advice and guidance from NCBF colleagues nationwide.
• Paying hundreds of dollars in dues and receiving millions of dollars in actual resources.
• Learning from ‘BOBservations’—get on Bob Glaves’ email list (Chicago Bar Foundation).
• Involvement in NCBF volunteer endeavors—committees, Board, webinars, presentations, and more.
• Understanding the importance of bar foundations in the legal and judicial systems.
• Realizing the priority of collaboration with other local philanthropic and nonprofit entities.
• Becoming a better facilitator, guide, and mediator in serving my own volunteer Board of Directors.
• Enjoying a whole lot of fun times with TGG, J, S, B, I, S, B, D, L, B, S, C, L, M, R, W, and others!”

Tom’s experience perfectly illustrates a core NCBF theme: once you’re part of this community, you’re always part of it—gaining lifelong value while giving back. We are grateful for Tom’s years of service, his ongoing example of engagement, and his generous words reminding us why NCBF matters so much.

Thank you, Tom, for remaining an integral part of the NCBF family—and for the photo with Rebecca, the “brains of the operation”! Keep doing your important work, too. ~Your NCBF Family and Acolytes!