Thomas McKinney is the president and general manager of McKinney & McKinney, a family farm operation based in Kempton, Indiana. 

Mr. McKinney returned to the family farm after receiving his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and animal science. The farm now encompasses five thousand acres and produces seed corn and soybeans as well as commercial corn and beans. But, one of his biggest accomplishments is what he  has contributed to his community.  

Mr. McKinney was instrumental in bringing the C.W. Mount Community Center to  Tipton. His help to steward donated funds led to creating the facility that houses a  community center for children and adults, the Tipton County Boys & Girls Club,  the Encore Senior Center and Encore Food Pantry, Anytime Fitness Center,  banquet rooms, gymnasium, and walking track. 

He has provided leadership and service to Indiana FFA and 4-H organizations. His  work as president of the Indiana 4-H Foundation has enabled him to reach out to  future leaders and remind them of the importance of giving back to their  community as those before them have done.  

“One can tell a great deal about a person by how they focus their spare time and  resources,” wrote Michael D. Culy a previous distinguished alumni honoree who  nominated Mr. McKinney. “He serves as a role model for others in the way that  he balances family, career, and volunteering — making a positive difference in all  three areas of his life.”