Tom Leahy is a former army officer and faculty member at the University of Florida. He holds a BA degree in English from the University of New Mexico and a MA in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he currently lives.

During his tenure at the University of Florida he served as Director of Communications for the Florida Sea Grant and Marine Advisory Programs.

Since his retirement from the university Mr. Leahy has published the novels Sharron's Song, Blood Red Sand and The Steward.