The Founder's Advocate
Dr. Thomas J Powell
Thomas J. Powell is an investor, entrepreneur, financier and scholar with more than three decades of experience in private equity, commercial banking, and securities law. His careful stewardship of capital and the communities it serves has made him a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs at organizations of all sizes. From raising capital for early-stage startups, to the financial structuring of large projects, to exit planning and family office management, Tom helps founders realize their plans as simply and durably as possible while safeguarding their personal and professional interests across industries, jurisdictions and generations.
In his role as Senior Advisor at The Brehon Group, Tom combines his extensive banking experience with a thorough legal education to bring a unique perspective to each founder’s corner. His expertise in structuring deals, protecting assets, and advising entrepreneurs. Holding Irish and America citizenships, Tom advises clients with projects and portfolios on both sides of the Atlantic. With a doctorate in Law & Policy, Tom also focuses on a range of legal strategy, securities litigation, and settlement issues, helps his clients achieve their goals in a world of regulation governance issues, and litigation.
Tom was a lead petitioner in Powell v. SEC, litigation that led to the SEC’s recission of its “gag rule,” which silenced settling parties, preventing them from ever discussing the facts of their case or suggesting the SEC’s charges were unfounded. On May 18, 2026, while awaiting the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on whether to hear the case, the SEC rescinded the rule, which it had been enforcing for more than 50 years.
Tom’s interests extend far beyond the world of law and business. For more than four decades, he has served as a national trustee with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. His doctoral research at Northeastern University, on the shortage of middle-income housing in rural resort communities has led public-policy work and lectures around the world. Before his doctorate, Tom earned a Master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law and completed graduate studies in international development at Harvard University. Tom is also an avid skier and a fully certified ski instructor and is passionate about driving long-term growth at his home resort of Sky Tavern.