About the Firm
Decades in the Field. Trusted by Agencies.
Thomas Penders and Associates, LLC brings hands-on field expertise and deep regulatory knowledge to every project.
Principal Archaeologist
Thomas Penders, M.A., RPA
Principal Archaeologist
Thomas Penders has been working in the field of cultural resource management for over four decades. He holds a Master's degree in Anthropology and is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) — a credential that reflects a demonstrated commitment to professional standards, ethics, and continuing education.
His field experience spans a wide range of environments and project types, from pedestrian surveys of large rural tracts to intensive excavations in complex urban settings. He has directed projects for state departments of transportation, municipal governments, federal agencies, and private developers throughout the region.
Thomas founded Thomas Penders and Associates, LLC on a straightforward premise: that clients deserve an archaeologist who is as invested in their project's success as they are. That means clear communication, realistic timelines, and work that holds up to agency scrutiny.
When he's not in the office or the field, Thomas is an active member of the archaeological community, participating in regional professional organizations and staying current with evolving regulatory guidance and best practices.
Professional Profiles
Explore Thomas Penders’ professional background and archaeological scholarship.
Professional Recognition
Jefferson Award for Public Service
Thomas Penders accepts the Jefferson Award for Public Service, recognizing a commitment to the communities and cultural resources he serves.
Experience
Selected Clients
Thomas Penders and Associates has supported public agencies, engineering firms, developers, and community organizations across Florida.
Consulting, engineering & development
- BKI Consulting Ecologists, Inc.
- BSE Consultants, Inc.
- Bussen-Mayer Engineering Group, Inc.
- CONSOR Engineers, LLC
- Construction Engineering Group, Inc.
- DOMS, LLC
- Ecoes Consulting, Inc.
- Engle Homes, Inc.
- Fleis & Bennett Engineering, Inc.
- Forte Macaulay Development Company
- Gen Development, Inc.
- Infrastructure Engineers, Inc.
- Kite Tax Lien Capital, LLC
- LaCour and Company
- Lennar Homes
- Masci Corporation
- Michael Baker International, Inc.
- Pandion Systems, Inc.
- Parker Mynchenberg and Associates, Inc.
- Professional Engineering Consultants, Inc.
- Property Investment Brokers, Inc.
- Robb and Taylor Engineering Solutions, Inc.
- SCJ Construction and Development LLC
- Suntree Internal Medicine
- Windover Farms, LLC
Public agencies & community organizations
- City of Cocoa, Florida
- City of Deltona, Florida
- City of New Smyrna Beach
- City of Palm Bay, Florida
- City of Rockledge, Florida
- City of Vero Beach
- City of Grant-Valkaria
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Government of Brevard County
- Government of Flagler County
- Government of Indian River County
- Government of Osceola County
- Government of Volusia County
- Home Depot
- Indian Mound Station Preservation Alliance
- Preservation & Education Trust, Inc.
- Pi Kappa Alpha
Office management
Mary Penders
Office Manager
Mary Penders brings more than 40 years of business experience to Thomas Penders and Associates, LLC, supporting the firm’s day-to-day operations and client service.
Qualifications
Credentials & Certifications
M.A. Anthropology
Graduate-level training in archaeological theory, method, and cultural history.
Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA)
Nationally recognized professional credential requiring demonstrated experience and adherence to a code of ethics.
Section 106 Specialist
Extensive experience managing the Section 106 consultation process for federal undertakings.
SHPO-Recognized Consultant
Recognized by the State Historic Preservation Office as a qualified archaeological consultant.
NAGPRA Compliance
Experienced with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act requirements and tribal consultation.
Our Approach
How We Work
Rigorous Field Methods
We don't cut corners in the field. Thorough documentation, careful excavation, and systematic sampling are the foundation of defensible results.
Clear Communication
We keep clients informed at every stage — no surprises. If an issue arises in the field or during agency review, you'll hear from us immediately.
Regulatory Fluency
We know the regulations inside and out, and we stay current as guidance evolves. That knowledge protects our clients from costly missteps.
On-Time Delivery
We understand that project schedules matter. We work efficiently and communicate proactively to keep reports and deliverables on track.
Let's Work Together
Whether you're a project manager navigating your first Section 106 review or an agency with an ongoing consulting need, we're ready to help.