Hershey Earns Leadership Award

SALISBURY -- When it comes to business, W. Thomas Hershey is a leader. When it comes to philanthropy, he has been called “simply among the finest of men.”

Founded by Salisbury University’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business in 2009, the award pays tribute to area business leaders for their contributions to the university and greater community.

Hershey began his professional career working at The Daily Times and then gained a strong background in the real estate business by managing apartments, general real estate sales and home construction. He went on to become the owner of three Arby’s restaurants in Salisbury and served as founding chairman of the board for Chestertown’s Heron Point retirement community. He also has served on the board of Peninsula United Methodist Homes, Inc. and currently serves as vice chairman First Shore Federal Savings and Loan Association.

It is his community service efforts, however, that have touched the lives of thousands on the Delmarva Peninsula. He served as chairman of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and co-chair of its Kresge endowment challenge. That effort developed into the Perdue-Kresge Challenge, raising over $12 million in new endowment funds for 19 local non-profits, including SU. During that campaign, Hershey chaired a successful campaign to benefit Wesley Theological Seminary.

Hershey has also served as president of the Mid-Delmarva Family YMCA and Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development Corporation, vice president of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore and chairman of the Salisbury School. He has been a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church since 1965 and presently is leadership chairman. He served on the Peninsula Regional Medical Center capital campaign advisory committee and the SU President’s Club.

In addition, he has helped raise funds for Junior Achievement, Wor-Wic Community College, Del-Mar-Va Council Boy Scouts of America, Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art Foundation and Salisbury Neighborhood Housing.

An Eagle Scout, he has served at the district and council levels of the Boy Scouts of America and received its Distinguished Eagle Award.

 “Undoubtedly, Mr. Hershey has demonstrated exceptional leadership through advancement and service to the Delmarva community,” said Marshall Hotels and Resorts Principal Dee Marshall, who nominated him for the Perdue accolade.