Longtime Salem Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Bowers was honored last week with the 2025 Charles R. Brown Award, which recognizes Salem residents who have made significant professional and civic contributions to the community’s quality of life. The award is named for Roanoke College’s first dean and a former mayor of Salem.
Bowers received the award last Wednesday at the Salem Appreciation Breakfast, which is hosted by Roanoke College each year to celebrate the strong, collaborative relationship between the college and the pretty city it calls home.
“This gathering is more than a breakfast,” said Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr. “It is a celebration of the partnership, friendship and shared pride that connect the college and the City of Salem. Together, we make this a remarkable place to live, work, learn and thrive.”
As Bowers accepted the award, he thanked the many mentors, co-workers and loved ones who have guided him and served alongside him through the years. That includes his family, staff, Bible study mates, law enforcement colleagues, students and interns. To him, he said, the award is all about service, leadership and positive role modeling.
“This award means so much to me, and I am so honored to have this,” he said.
Bowers is a 34-year Marine Corps veteran who retired as a colonel and was twice awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. In his role as commonwealth’s attorney for Salem, where he has served since 2006, his leadership has centered around justice, safety and compassion for the community.
Bowers is a pillar of civic service outside the office, as well, serving at a Rotarian for more than 20 years and as club president in 2021-22. He also served for 15 years on the Salem YMCA Board, acting as chair for two of those years. And he served as chair of the 23rd Circuit Drug Court Committee, shaping life-changing programs for recovery and accountability.
Additionally, Bowers has been a longtime leader of the Regional Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. He was instrumental in early education and awareness efforts during the fentanyl epidemic, launching community meetings for Salem families that became a model for other cities across Virginia.
As an adjunct professor of business law at Roanoke College, Bowers continues to inspire students to serve others with integrity and purpose.
The award comes on the eve of Bowers’ planned retirement at the end of this year. He joked that the breakfast was his “retirement party.”
Other distinguished guests at the appreciation breakfast included members of the Roanoke College cabinet, past recipients of the Charles Brown Award, and Salem Mayor Renee Turk ’77.
“Quality of life means happiness, balance, education, leisure, security and community,” Turk said. “Salem provides it and Roanoke College helps sustain it. Together, the city and the college form a partnership that is unique, positive and collaborative—a true win-win.”
-The Salem Times-Register