Pepin Family Foundation
The Pepin Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Two generations of the descendants of our founders, Art and Polly Pepin, work together to continue the philanthropic legacy in the Tampa Bay Community. We are always looking for ways to serve those who serve. We are the helping hand.
By increasing access to and quality of special education and health care, we have invested in our communities well-being for decades. Most recently, the Pepin’s have prioritized mental health and wellness education by prioritizing resources towards programs for first responders and professionals on the front line.
Our Mission & Vision
As we focus on making an impact that improves the lives in our community today, our goal is to ensure our legacy gives back for many generations to come. This goal is why our work aims to improve the quality of life in Tampa Bay. Through empathy and strength, we constantly evaluate our efforts as a family unit to cater to those who most need it and allocate our resources accordingly.
Mission
We are a family-led foundation focused on education, health care, transportation, and mental health wellness services for professionals on the front line.
Vision
Our vision is to encourage the growth and access to specialized disabled learning, the best in cardiac care and research, and mental health and wellness services to all professionals on the front line and their families. As we open our eyes and ears to the community, we will allocate our resources accordingly while staying true to our mission that began many decades ago.
Board Members
Tina Pepin
Tina Pepin proudly serves as Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation, carrying forward her family’s legacy as a third-generation philanthropist committed to addressing Tampa Bay’s most pressing needs and building meaningful, community-driven solutions. A 2021 Belmont University graduate with a degree in Business Administration, she returned home driven by a lifelong passion for helping others and strengthening the community closest to her heart.
Working closely with the Pepin Family Office, Tina ensures resources are strategically aligned with local priorities. She leads strategic investments, partnership development, and the Foundation’s long-term vision, advancing initiatives across public safety, healthcare, and education. Her work supports first responders, expands mental health resources, strengthens cardiac care, addresses nursing shortages, and provides equitable learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
Tina serves on boards and advisory committees including AdventHealth Tampa, Leadership Tampa Bay, and the Suncoast Alliance for First Responders. Recognized with honors such as the Tampa Police Department’s RISE Champion Award and Chief’s Appreciation Award, Suncoast PBA’s Civilian of the Year, as well as the 2025 Community Impact Leader Award from Rivero, Gordimer & Company, she continues shaping the Foundation with purpose, creativity, and a dedication to strengthening her community for generations to come.
Favorite color: Purple | Favorite hobby: Playing piano | Favorite movie: Sing
Tom Pepin
Tom Pepin is the founder of the Pepin Family Foundation and is a lifelong Tampa Bay businessman and philanthropist whose work has helped shape the region for decades. Alongside his parents, Art and Polly Pepin, he established the Foundation to “serve those who serve,” beginning as a memorial fund honoring his close friend Chris Fredo and growing into a cornerstone of community impact across Tampa Bay.
Over a 45-year career, Tom built Pepin Distributing into a nationally ranked distributorship, earning a reputation as a visionary leader in a demanding industry. A father of six, Tom has always believed that success carries a responsibility—to family, to community, and to future generations. Following the sale of the family business in 2021, he shifted his focus to philanthropy and long-term community investment, ensuring the values passed down from his father continue to guide the work ahead.
Since the Foundation’s inception in 2004, Tom and his family have invested millions of dollars to advance healthcare, education, and infrastructure, including founding Pepin Academies schools and supporting the Pepin Heart Institute at AdventHealth Tampa. His contributions and lifetime of service have been widely recognized, including induction into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame and honors from the Florida Senate and Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.
Deeply committed to making meaningful, lasting impact, Tom remains focused on strengthening the community he calls home and building a legacy rooted in service, stewardship, and purpose.
Favorite color: Green | Favorite hobby: Landscaping and watching sunsets with family | Favorite movie: A Star is Born (the Barbara Streisand version)
Pepin Family Office
Tom Lee
Pepin Family Office
Tom Lee serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Pepin Family Office, guiding long-term investment strategy and community-focused growth rooted in multigenerational stewardship. With more than 35 years of experience across finance, real estate, development, and public service, he brings a unique blend of business expertise and civic leadership to the role. He is also the owner of TAL Holdings LLC and serves on advisory and civic boards including the Bank of Tampa and Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Citizen Oversight Committee.
Tom served 18 years in the Florida Senate, including as the 81st President of the Senate, where he led ethics reform, strengthened Florida’s budgeting process, and helped modernize growth management laws. He also co-owned Sabal Homes of Florida for more than 30 years, developing production and custom homes throughout Hillsborough County and partnering on a range of retail and office projects. His contributions to the housing industry earned him induction into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame.
A Hillsborough County resident for more than five decades, Tom is married to Laurel Lee and is the proud father of three. Deeply committed to Tampa Bay, he continues putting his experience, relationships, and resources to work for lasting community impact.
Favorite color: Red | Favorite hobby: Golf | Favorite movie: The Big Short