When Thomas Toman talks about leadership, he rarely begins with government.

He starts with basketball.

Long before becoming Carson’s deputy city manager, Toman was a point guard—a role that required communication, teamwork and helping everyone around him succeed. Today, those same principles guide his approach to helping oversee one of Southern California’s fastest-evolving cities.

“I was a point guard,” Toman said with a smile. “People have different strengths and weaknesses, and it’s all about winning at the end of the day.”

That philosophy has become the foundation of a public service career spanning more than two decades.

Unlike many municipal executives who intentionally pursue careers in local government, Toman describes his path as “organic.”

Raised primarily in South Florida after spending his infancy in Southern California, Toman earned a business degree while pursuing college basketball. A visit to California after graduation unexpectedly changed the trajectory of his life.

What began as an internship with the City of Laguna Beach’s Public Works Department evolved into a 20-year career in municipal government. Along the way, Toman served in engineering, recreation, public works, parking and transit management before becoming Public Works Director in San Juan Capistrano.

Each position broadened his understanding of how cities function—and how leadership extends far beyond infrastructure.

“I chose public service because I realized we get to improve people’s lives every day,” he said. “We’re the backbone of the community.”

Today, just ten months into his role as Carson’s deputy city manager, Toman oversees several outward-facing departments, including Public Works, Community Services and Energy & Sustainability. His responsibilities focus on ensuring city services remain responsive while positioning Carson for continued growth.

He credits Carson’s leadership team—including City Manager David Roberts, Assistant City Manager Dr. Robert Lennox and fellow Deputy City Manager Arminé Chaparyan—with creating a collaborative culture that allows ideas to flourish.

“I feel really blessed to be here,” Toman said. “Everybody’s voice matters. Everybody brings a different perspective.”

That collaborative environment reflects a leadership philosophy Toman believes is essential in modern government.

“Leadership is no longer top-down,” he said. “The best ideas come when you bring people together, break down silos and let experts do what they do best.”

As Carson continues investing in infrastructure, housing and economic development, Toman sees sustainability—not just growth—as the city’s next challenge.

Among his priorities is preserving the city’s nationally recognized parks and recreation programming while ensuring long-term funding for streets, beautification projects and public infrastructure.

He points to the City Council’s continued investment in neighborhood streets as an example of planning beyond today’s needs.

“If you invest in infrastructure today, you’re protecting property values tomorrow,” he said. “But once you make those investments, you have to create a plan to maintain them.”

His portfolio also includes preparing Carson for one of its most significant opportunities in decades: the 2028 Olympic Games.

With millions expected to visit the region during LA28, Toman believes Carson has an unprecedented chance to introduce itself to the world.

“I want every resident and every employee to become ambassadors for Carson,” he said. “This is our opportunity to showcase who we are.”

Having spent much of his career in Orange County, Toman says Carson immediately stood apart.

Rather than defining the city by a landmark or industry, he describes Carson through its people.

“The first thing I think about is diversity,” he said. “It’s one of the most unique communities I’ve ever worked in.”

He believes that diversity, combined with Carson’s strategic location, strong leadership and growing investment, positions the city to become one of Southern California’s premier places to live, work and visit.

Toman also praised Carson’s commitment to resident-centered programming, noting that few municipalities produce the number of community events offered throughout the year.

“Nobody does forty-plus special events,” he said. “It’s remarkable how committed Carson is to creating experiences for its residents.”

Throughout the conversation, Toman returned repeatedly to one word: service.

Whether discussing infrastructure, permitting, community meetings or responding to resident concerns, he believes government succeeds when people feel heard.

“I want people to know someone is going to answer the phone, get back to them and give them context,” he said.

“Not just a yes or no.”

That philosophy extends to his vision for Carson’s City Manager’s Office.

He compares its role to that of a chief executive officer, translating City Council policy into action while empowering department directors to deliver results.

“The City Manager’s Office connects policy with administration,” Toman explained. “Our job is to help make the council’s vision become reality.”

As Carson prepares for continued residential growth, major redevelopment projects and the global spotlight of the Olympics, Toman remains focused on maintaining the city’s momentum.

He hopes future residents will experience a city known not only for innovation and investment, but also for exceptional customer service.

“I want Carson to continue being the Jewel of the South Bay,” he said. “Everything we do should reflect that. I want residents to feel excited about living here, businesses excited about investing here and visitors excited to come back.”

For Toman, leadership is less about titles than about building teams, empowering others and leaving every community stronger than he found it.

After more than 20 years in public service, he believes the mission remains as simple as it was when he first walked into Laguna Beach City Hall as an intern.

“Try to make everything you do the best it can possibly be,” he said. “The residents deserve that.”

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