Senator Tom Whatley

Tom Whatley was elected to the Alabama Senate on November 2nd, 2010. Born and raised on the family dairy farm in Lee County, he graduated from Beauregard High School in 1988. In 1994 he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Auburn University and went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1999. Before enrolling at Auburn, Senator Whatley enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard in 1988 and has served 25 years. In 1992 he received his Commission from Auburn University ROTC and currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel. His last overseas assignment was as the Bilateral Affairs Officer, Defense Attaché Office, United States Embassy, Bucharest Romania where he served as a diplomatic liaison between the US Embassy and the Romanian Ministry of Defense. Tom presently serves as Battalion Commander of the 167th Special Troops Battalion. Senator Whatley has received the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Metal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Senator Whatley is Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Forestry, and Conservation Committee and Chairman of the Lee County Legislative Delegation and as Co-Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He also serves on the Senate Education Finance and Taxation Committee as well as the Senate Health, Judiciary, Military and Veterans Affairs, and Confirmations Committees. Senator Whatley was also elected by his peers to serve on the Joint House and Senate Legislative Council and was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to the Indian Affairs Committee. Senator Whatley resides in Auburn, is a member of the Opelika Kiwanis Club, the Lee County Cattleman’s Association, supports various civic organizations, attends Auburn United Methodist Church, and operates a small law firm.

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