Background

Tom Farley grew up in Madison, WI, and graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Marketing, later starting his career in banking and finance.

From 1999 to 2012, he ran the Chris Farley Foundation, a nationally recognized nonprofit that used humor-based programs to help young people build communication skills and supportive environments.

In 2008, he co-authored the New York Times bestseller The Chris Farley Show about his late brother, the comedian Chris Farley, and has since discussed addiction and recovery on major media platforms like The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Larry King Live.

Current Work & Advocacy

Serving as Community Outreach Director for Recovery.com, Tom connects individuals with addiction and mental health resources to help them heal and break down stigmas.

As an active public speaker, he travels to industry conferences, policy forums, treatment facilities, and college campuses to share themes of humor in treatment, family issues, and the power of connection and storytelling.

He serves on the board of the National Rural Alcohol & Drug Abuse Network and the National Advisory Council for Faces & Voices of Recovery. Featured in various media, including People Magazine and Huffington Post, he was also invited to the White House in 2026 by ONDCP Director Sara Carter to participate in a panel for the national drug control policy launch.

Interests

In his personal life, he enjoys spending time with his three adult children, particularly gathering in New York. He finds peace walking the streets of New York City with a cigar, and he is a fan of punk music.