MONSIGNOR THOMAS HARTMAN
Director of Radio & Television, Telecare
BY REGINA MARCAZZO

Being honored as a David Award winner makes the Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hartman think of time he spent in Florence, Italy, and of the person represented in the famous Michelangelo sculpture there.

"I see David as the appropriate person for every leader," Hartman said, "strong, charismatic, yet flawed."

According to Veronica Allocca, the Telecare vice president of Development and Hartman's executive assistant, the David Award winner is quite deserving of all of the awards and honors he receives.

"He makes a difference on an individual level and he makes a difference in an organizational level. People come to him for help on all levels. He brings comfort to so many just by having a talk with them," she said, describing the changes in demeanor of people after he has spoken with them. "You can physically see that their problems have been lightened," she said.

Father Tom is known for his popular television show, "God Squad," co-hosted by Rabbi Marc Gellman.

He appears frequently on such programs as the "Brian Williams Show" on MSNBC, "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" on CNN, "Sunday News with Tony Snow" on Fox Cable News and the nationally syndicated "Imus in the Morning" radio show.

Father Tom also has his own productions for Long Island on Telecare, including "Father Tom and Friends" and "Father Tom and Faith." Father Tom is also the author of a number of books. He writes a weekly column for Tribune Media together with Rabbi Gellman. The two were recently named "Long Islanders of the Century" in the category of Leaders & Activists in a poll taken by Newsday.

He is the Director of Radio and Television at Telecare, the television center for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. He has been recognized for his professional and pastoral work by winning four Emmy Awards, a Telly Award, and numerous "Man of the Year" citations, and honorary doctorates.

In winning the David Award, Hartman would like to thank the people at Telecare for helping him fulfill his dream of bringing religions together on Long Island.

Bringing people together is another of Hartman's strengths, according to Allocca, who describes him as a master of getting people and organizations past conflict and towards supporting each other and working together.

Hartman himself is quite humble. "The only thing I'm excellent at is loving people and loving God. I never seek to go above and beyond. I kind of believe a lot in prayer," he said, elaborating that he believes God created the world with holes in it so people would have something to do.

"I can listen to people and I feel for people, and my instincts, when I hear problems, are to look for the opportunities," he said.

Hartman considers himself one who can sympathize with those who have to work really hard to attain something. "I really can understand someone who would like to do something but can't achieve it," he said, recalling the days when he was in school. He always did well but was not the best in academics or athletics. Thinking of his struggles makes it easier for him to understand and help others with their challenges.

He's also in awe of the talents of others. "I'm just in admiration of what others can do," he said, citing the care people take in raising their families as an example.

Father Tom was ordained on May 29, 1971 and holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and a graduate degree in Theology. In 1970, he received a Master of Divinity degree from Our Lady of Angels Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley in 1979.