Tony Anderson among LGBTQ execs honored by the Washington Business Journal

Thompson Coburn partner Tony Anderson was among 20 distinguished executives and business leaders honored by the Washington Business Journal at its inaugural Business of Pride Awards, which recognize D.C.-area professionals who are dedicated to advancing LGBTQ equality and leadership in the workplace. 

For decades, Tony has pursued LGBTQ equality and advancement in all areas of his personal and professional life — within Thompson Coburn, among D.C. youth, as an alumnus of his university, and in his own pursuit of marriage equality with his husband, Kevin Lorei, whom he married in 2010. 

As a member of Thompson Coburn’s Diversity Committee for 12 years and the committee co-chair since 2016, Tony has contributed to the Firm’s diversity efforts by mentoring diverse associates and laterals, supporting events that highlight and address LGBTQ issues, and working with management to provide diversity- and inclusion-related training sessions for attorneys and staff. 

As a co-chair of Thompson Coburn’s Federal Practice Group, Tony has served as legal advisor to many of the nation's largest transit systems. He provides guidance on project development, proposal review, bid protests, contract negotiations, Section 13(c) issues, transportation financing, and contract disputes. In addition, Tony helps clients understand and meet the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Since 2013, Tony has been an active Board Member and Governance Chair of Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL), a nonprofit organization that supports and empowers LGBTQ youth in the  D.C. region, helping them build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage the community through service and advocacy. SMYAL also offers housing for homeless LGBTQ youth as well as health education programs and recreational events. 

Tony is also a strong supporter of Team DC, a nonprofit that educates the LGBTQ community on the benefits of participating in individual and team sports. He is a founding member of the Team DC Scholarship Committee, which provides financial support to LGBTQ high school seniors who demonstrate dedication to both academic and athletic excellence.

In his feature in the Washington Business Journal, Tony talked about why he’s passionate about pursuing LGBT equality through athletics and team sports. “I can’t say enough about what it means to build community through sports. Frequently, LGBT youth and adults have remained in the closet or stayed away from sports because of homophobia or fear of homophobia. There’s something to be said for engaging in a sport, and just being yourself.”

Tony also talked about his service on the board of trustees for Johns Hopkins University, where he was one of the first alumni to participate in the Baltimore Scholars Program, a Hopkins scholarship program for students from Baltimore city public schools. “[Scholarships] are really encouraging individuals to be themselves,” Tony said. “They say, ‘You are important. We are acknowledging you.’ In that regard, they do a lot more than just provide money. The acknowledgment that somebody is valuable cannot be overstated.”

Thompson Coburn is proud of the efforts and contributions that Tony has made to improve the personal and professional lives of LGBTQ persons. Congratulations, Tony!