Thomas J. Fewer is a scholar and bestselling author of how businesses navigate politics, purpose, and public impact

Thomas J. Fewer presenting research on organizations, politics, and public impact at an academic conference.

Thomas J. Fewer (Tom) is an Assistant Professor of Management at Rutgers University School of Business–Camden and a globally recognized voice on how businesses, governments, and civic institutions navigate politics, purpose, and public impact.

His work examines some of the defining challenges of our time: political polarization, corporate misconduct, public–private collaboration, and the role of organizations in addressing large-scale societal problems from climate and healthcare to national security and economic competitiveness. At its core, his research asks how institutions can move beyond division, unchecked power, and short-termism to deliver outcomes that strengthen society and expand opportunity for everyone.

Tom’s academic research has been published in leading business journals and featured in major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio (NPR), and Fast Company. His work is frequently cited in public conversations about leadership, corporate responsibility, and the future of democratic capitalism.

He is the co-author of the national bestselling book Venture Meets Mission, which explores how entrepreneurs and governments can work together to solve society’s most complex challenges while ensuring that innovation serves public priorities rather than narrow private interests. The book debuted on the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists and was named McKinsey’s Sustainability Book of the Year and an Axiom Gold Award winner. He is also the co-author of The Mission Generation (forthcoming), which examines how a new generation of leaders is redefining the relationship between purpose, performance, and impact.

Beyond academia, Tom regularly writes and speaks on mission-driven capitalism, democratic innovation, and the future of business and public leadership. His essays have appeared in Stanford Social Innovation Review, Big Think, and Leader to Leader. He advises organizations operating at the intersection of private markets and public accountability, particularly those navigating social and political complexity.

Previously, Tom co-founded NobleReach Foundation, a Washington, DC–based nonprofit launched with a $410 million endowment to help build a national ecosystem for mission-driven innovators in service of the public interest.

Tom completed his postdoctoral studies at Georgetown University and holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Management from Drexel University. Before entering academia, he held professional roles at Lockheed Martin, Subaru of America, and The Madison Square Garden Company.

Across research, teaching, and public engagement, his work is united by a single guiding question: how can businesses be designed and governed to serve the common good?

Beyond the Work

Thomas J. Fewer at a black tie formal academic event.
Thomas J. Fewer visiting historic sites during international academic travel.
Thomas J. Fewer visiting with international colleagues at a formal event.
Thomas J. Fewer working on a vintage automobile hobby.
Thomas J. Fewer with his beautiful family.
Thomas J. Fewer hiking outdoors during international research travel.
Thomas J. Fewer meeting with colleagues during international academic collaboration.
Thomas J. Fewer hiking outdoors during a research sabbatical.
Thomas J. Fewer with his family.
Thomas J. Fewer hiking a mountain during a research break academic conference.
Thomas J. Fewer visiting an international collaborator.
Thomas J. Fewer inside a U.S. government building during policy-related work.
Thomas J. Fewer meeting with coauthors at an academic conference.
Thomas J. Fewer at a national park during a break at an academic speaking engagement.
Thomas J. Fewer showing colleagues the local culture during a work retreat.
Thomas J. Fewer visiting historic sites during international academic travel.
Thomas J. Fewer with his warm family.
Thomas J. Fewer inside a U.S. government building during policy-related work.
Thomas J. Fewer at bring your child to work day in professional academic setting.
Thomas J. Fewer with a colleague at an informal work event.