Biography -
Thomas R. Shrout, Jr.
tshrout@cmt-stl.org

Thomas R. Shrout, Jr. is the executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit, a not-for-profit organization composed of some 1,500 volunteers representing a cross section of St. Louis businesses and individuals. Founded in 1985 CMT successfully launched a grassroots effort to establish the St. Louis MetroLink light rail system that opened July 31, 1993.

Shrout became CMT's second executive director in 1988. For more than 15 years, CMT has been in the forefront of making MetroLink a success, raising more than a million dollars in private funds to market the initial MetroLink Line from East St. Louis to the Airport, and the second line from East St. Louis to Southwestern Illinois college.

CMT has been in the forefront to raise additional revenue to extend MetroLink through key roles in three voter referenda. In addition CMT works directly with more than 120 major St. Louis employers to build transit ridership among their employees.

For its work under Shrout's leadership to improve transit in St. Louis, CMT was recognized as the 1994 recipient of the "Sold on St. Louis Award."

Shrout also was recognized for his efforts in MetroLink being selected as the 1994 recipient of the prestigious "St. Louis Award". The St. Louis Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America selected Shrout as its 1994 recipient of the Lamplighter award.

Shrout has consulted about the benefits of a good light rail and has worked with cities across the country working to build support for a light rail system.

Shrout is a 1970 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. During college he worked in broadcast journalism. He formerly was a reporter for the Associated Press in New York City. Prior to coming to CMT, he worked for 15 years at Truman State University, winning numerous awards for marketing and public affairs. Shrout is involved in numerous civic activities. He served as president of the St. Louis Family Support Network which works for the prevention of Child Abuse. In 1990 he was appointed by the Governor to the Board of Governors of Truman University where he served as secretary and President of the board. He served a term as the citizens representative on of the Missouri Public Transit Association Board of Directors and is a director of the National Association of Rail Passengers.

Shrout lives in the Central West End of St. Louis with his wife, Debbie, English Department Chair at Kirkwood High School. They have two grown children.

For more information on consulting engagements, contact tshrout@cmt-stl.org.