Tom Lehman is named 2025 Citizen of Year for Oceanside Chamber of Commerce

Posted

Tom Lehman, Oceanside School District’s athletic director, has been named the Ocean-side Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Citizen of the Year in a celebration of his dedication, leadership and community spirit.

“He can never do enough for anybody in the community,” said Chamber member Joe Cibellis. “I personally think he’s one of the biggest assets the Oceanside School District has had in a long time.”

Lehman will be honored during the chamber’s annual cocktail reception at Temple Avodah on Feb. 13. Lehman’s recognition highlights his remarkable contributions to the community over the past four years.

“I was taken aback because, I feel like I just do my job and try to support as many kids or people as possible,” Lehman said about his recognition. “That’s just how I operate. It’s humbling, and I was definitely surprised.”

Lehman, 45, moved to Oceanside in 2008, and became the school district’s athletic director in 2019. A native of Queens, Lehman started his career in education in 2003, after earning a bachelor’s’ degree and then a master’s in physical education from Queens College. His early positions included physical education teacher, coach and assistant principal in Queens and, later, athletic director in Westchester.

“Oceanside was almost like a dream job when it became available,” Lehman said. “I didn’t say anything to anybody until I finally got the word that I was going to get it, which was an honor.”

Under his leadership, the Oceanside athletic program has flourished, emphasizing academic excellence, community service and mentorship. Initiatives like peer tutoring, leadership development through the Scholar-Athletes in Service to Others program, and service projects such as clothing drives have become hallmarks of Lehman’s tenure.

Tom Lehman is a genuine and sincere person and educator,” said High School teacher Frank Luisi who leads the Scholar Athletes program. “He has a great heart and practices servant leadership. He leads by serving others. I’ve been in Oceanside since 1975, and I’ve seen many great people, administrators, teachers and coaches. Tom is one of the most special people we’ve had in Ocean-side ever. It’s been an honor to work with him.”

Lehman and his wife, Andrea, who works at a Rockville Centre law firm, have two daughters, Jordyn, 13, and Makenzie, 9. Lehman said he enjoys being more involved in his daughters’ lives and activities now that he works in the community in which they live.

“The mindset that I had as an educator is making sure that students had the platform to be successful in whatever they chose to do,” he said. “In terms of being an athletic director here in Oceanside, while I miss coaching, every single day, I think this role that I have, I get to work closely with all of the coaches and all the programs, but also be a person that the kids could turn to for advice, or if they just need anything at all. I think it’s really special, and it’s the closest thing I could do to coaching teams myself. So I love that aspect of it.”

Viewing sports as more than just competition, he sees it as a platform for personal growth, teamwork and resilience, he said.

“I think the thing with sports is it’s a platform for people to come together from different backgrounds, walks of life and experiences, and even kids,” Lehman added. “Whether it was in Long Island City or whether it’s Oceanside, I think kids can kind of come together for a common purpose through sport. I do think that’s the biggest thing that sports provides.”

Lehman’s approach extends beyond athletics, embracing all students, including those involved in arts, music and vocational programs. By attending games and school events, he ensures visibility and personal connections with students and families. His efforts have fostered a culture of inclusion and encouragement, where every student feels valued and supported.

“My office is in high school, so if I’m able to ask a kid how they’re doing, or good game yesterday, if they’re on a sports team, I think connecting with kids that way just shows them people care,” Lehman said.

Lehman credits much of his success to teamwork, working closely with coaches, educators and district staff to ensure professional development and innovative practices. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, shared vision and a service-oriented mindset — qualities that have earned him respect throughout the district.

“Oceanside is a special place,” he said. “They believe in community. It’s not just the school district, it’s different organizations in Oceanside. Everybody kind of works together hand-in-hand, whether it’s community service, Chamber of Commerce, or different local businesses that kind of rally together. And I think being part of that in any way possible, whether it’s supporting or leading initiatives, I think that’s important.”