Tom O’Dea, of New Canaan, graduated from Providence College in 1988. He went on to receive a J.D. from Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in 1991. O’Dea’s career experience includes working as a trial lawyer for the law firm Diserio, Martin, O’Connor & Castiglioni, LLP. From 1995 to 2004 he served by appointment of the governor as a member of the Police Officers Standards and Training Council. From 1997 to 2004, he served by appointment of the governor as a Victim Compensation Commissioner within the state’s judicial branch. In 2004, Gov. M. Jodi Rell appointed O’Dea to the Judicial Selection Commission, which is responsible for recommending the appointment and reappointment of judges. O’Dea is also a member of the New Canaan Town Council.