While at AT&T, he also served as a member of the communications cadre for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) where he was a field producer for the agency's internal television network and press liaison for FEMA's New England Region. Sheriff Tompkins holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Boston College and a Master's Degree in Public Affairs from the University of Massachusetts.He is also an engaged community leader and respected advocate, serving as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for Roxbury Community College and a former Board Chair of the Sportsman's Tennis Club. In 2011, Tompkins was appointed by Governor Patrick to serve as a Board member of the Boston Finance Commission.