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b'Thomas is the founder of Tommy Boy and has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1981.\\xa0 He has over 37 years experience in the hip-hop, urban, alternative, dance, rock and gospel music markets.\\xa0 He founded Dance Music Report in 1978, the preeminent newsletter for DJs for over 15 years. He founded Tommy Boy in 1981 which was one of the original pioneers in the hip hop movement with artists such as Afrika Bambaattaa, De La Soul, Digital Underground, Queen Latifah, Naughty by Nature, House of Pain, and Coolio. He was a founder and partner in the legendary New Music Seminar, the world\\u2019s seminal music industry convention through the 80\\u2019s. He has re-launched the New Music Seminar in 2009 to introduce a new paradigm for an emerging new music business.\\n\\nMr. Silverman serves on the board of RIAA, Sound Exchange, American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), Merlin and has served for many years on NAIRD/AFIM board, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Dance Music Hall of Fame, as well as the NARM Manufacturer\\u2019s Advisory Board. Tom was the recipient of the 2013 A2iM Lifetime Achievement Award, NARM Independent Spirit Award 2010, NARAS Heroes Award in 2000. He received his bachelors\\u2019 degree in Environmental Studies from Colby College and studied Environmental Earth Science at Western Michigan University.'