Thom Harvey named 2025 Delaware Citizen of the Year by Scouting America

E. Thomas “Thom” Harvey, III will be honored as the 2025 Delaware Citizen of the Year by the Del-Mar-Va Council, Scouting America. (Photo courtesy Delmarva Council)

The Del-Mar-Va Council, Scouting America, has named E. Thomas “Thom” Harvey, III as the recipient of the 2025 Delaware Citizen of the Year Award and will be recognized at a ceremony on October 15 at the Oberod Estate.

Harvey is Chairman of TKo Hospitality and President of Harvey, Hanna and Associates (HHA). He also owns and operates multiple management and real estate investment companies. Before founding HHA in 1998, he spent more than 25 years in the waste management industry, where his companies pioneered recycling services in Delaware, promoting a more sustainable environmental future for the region.

The Delaware Citizen of the Year Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s business and professional communities while serving as role models for youth. This year’s event will be chaired by M. William “Bill” Lower, Vice-President of Environmental Affairs at Harvey, Hanna and Associates.

A University of Delaware alumnus, Harvey earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the School of Business and Economics in 1975. He has been recognized as a longtime benefactor of the university, is active in its mentoring programs, and has received the College of Business & Economics Alumni Award of Excellence. In 2014, he was inducted into the university’s Alumni Wall of Fame. Harvey has also held volunteer leadership roles at other educational institutions.

In 2008, HHA established The Delaware KIDS Fund (Kids in Distressed Situations), an in-house charitable organization that provides direct financial support to local social service nonprofits throughout the state.

Now in its 21st year, the Delaware Citizen of the Year Award has previously been presented to notable leaders such as Ben duPont, Skip Pennella, Tom Horne, Vance Kershner, Dr. Janice Nevin, Chip Rossi, Paul McConnell, Rob Buccini, Brian DiSabatino, Alan Levin, Fred Sears, Rob Harra, and Connie Bond Stuart.

Funds raised from the October 15 event will support a range of Scouting programs across the region, including STEM education, conservation initiatives, workforce development, and services for low-income youth.