Elected as Polk County's 3rd District Supervisor, Tom Hockensmith began serving his first term in January 2003. He served as Chair of the Board in 2005.

Hockensmith's previous professional experience includes Policy Advisor for Governor Thomas J. Vilsack, Union Representative for American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (A.F.S.C.M.E), and an Electrician while working for the Iowa Department of Transportation. Tom is a current member of the Des Moines Elks #98 and the Izaak Walton League. He is a former member of A.F.S.C.M.E Local 3450 and IBEW Local #499.         

Tom is a proven advocate for East Des Moines . He has been instrumental in addressing the needs of the seven communities within his district as well as the citizens of unincorporated Polk County .

He supported the use of a comprehensive plan for Polk County that will establish Urban Service Areas to ensure that proper infrastructure is in place within unincorporated areas near municipalities where annexation is likely to occur. A revolving sewer and water loan program was also established by the Board of Supervisors to assist in balanced and infill growth within Polk County .

Tom represents Polk County on the Metropolitan Advisory Council, Correctional Services Board of Directors, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Mid-Iowa Association of Local Governments, and the Des Moines Wastewater Reclamation Authority.

A 1974 graduate of East High, Tom has lived and worked in Polk County for over forty years. He and his wife have two daughters who attend Southeast Polk schools and Tom has two adult sons. Tom and Joyce are avid supporters for the East Des Moines girl's softball league.