The Florida League of Cities awarded Sanford City Commissioner Claudia Thomas the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award for her advocacy during the 2026 Legislative Session, noting her work to convey local perspectives to state lawmakers. The award honors officials who respond to the League’s request to provide a municipal viewpoint on legislative issues.
Thomas, who represents District 4, was elected in November 2024 to a four‑year term. She was raised in Pittsburgh, began college at the University of Pittsburgh as a jazz guitar major, and graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in business administration. After moving to Central Florida in 1979, she worked as a recruiter in county government before spending almost thirty years at Lockheed Martin, where she earned the Pinnacle Award three times and retired as a senior staff analyst.
Since retiring, Thomas has been active in the community, participating in Habitat for Humanity women builds, serving on a local community theatre board, and holding leadership roles in several civic organizations. She also serves on the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, represents Sanford at regional league meetings, and was appointed to the Florida League of Cities 2025‑2026 Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility, and Emergency Management Committee.
Press release issued by City of Sanford:
https://sanfordfl.gov/commissioner-claudia-thomas-honored-with-home-rule-award-2026/
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