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Performing Arts Services specializes in production, facilities, operations and strategic planning for the arts, cultural, education and entertainment sectors. Thomas said he came up with the concept of the multi-service entity after being sought out by "a number of artists, performing arts centers, school districts, universities and theater groups who needed help in these areas. The need for someone to be able to handle both sides of the show business coin is what prompted him in part to leave the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) after 12 years to launch his own business. While a performing arts center, local municipality or educational institution may have great plans and resources for initiating a cultural facility, a series of performances, or arts education programming it may be advantageous for them to seek external counsel to assist with elements of the planning and implementation. A seasoned, dedicated and experienced professional tending to the intricate details and fine points of creative ventures is crucial to making sound venue, artistic and financial decisions to contribute to the success of these efforts. Thomas emphasizes that the business and planning side of the arts is just as important as the creative side. When it comes to spearheading top notch venues, shows and cultural events, Thomas has a wealth of experience. Thomas holds a degree in theater from Montclair State University and was founder/executive director of the Greater Paterson (NJ) Arts Council, served as arts development services coordinator for the NJ State Council on the Arts in Trenton, and was director of marketing at Newark Symphony Hall. In recognition of his artistic acumen, Thomas has received numerous awards, including being named among the 100 Most Influential in New Jersey, recipient of the Arts Leadership Award from Leadership New Jersey and the Governors (NJ) Award in Arts Education. Thomas provides a wealth of knowledge, experience and resources in the artistic field whether it is musical theater, dance companies, gospel and jazz artists, literary figures and even public speakers. The list of artists he's had the opportunity to work with over the years reads like a Who's Who of the arts and entertainment world. For Thomas, however, there have been many crowning achievements in his arts career. Founding the Carter G. Woodson Foundation in the mid 1980's and subsequently launching Black Culture on Tour in America was a highlight. This afforded Thomas avenues to bring some of the most prominent names in the field of the performing arts to communities throughout the United States and to forge a national reputation for excellence. At the New Jersey performing Arts Center, where Thomas headed an Arts Education Department with a $3.2 million annual budget, there were many accomplishments. Among them were, completion of a ten-year plan for arts education (1995-2004) that served as the blueprint for programming and fundraising during his tenure as Vice President for Arts Education. Also, creating the concept for the Lucent Technologies Center for Arts Education which opened in 2001 at NJPAC and serves as a dedicated facility for training the next generation of performing artists can be counted as another major achievement. As Vice President of Arts Education, Thomas played a major role on the team responsible for overseeing the $4 million renovation of the 29,000-square-foot arts training facility, which contains a mini-theater, three dance studios, nine classrooms, four music practice rooms, two grand pianos, seven acoustic pianos, and sound systems in each classroom. Through Performing Arts Services, Thomas offers individual artists, cultural organizations and other arts and education institutions a chance to have the best productions, facilities and cultural events while as he put it, "nurturing the next generation of Duke Ellingtons, Leonard Bernsteins, August Wilsons and Chita Riveras."