thomas terrell sessums (june 11, 1930 – june 6, 2020) was an american politician. he was born in daytona beach, florida. sessums was the speaker of the florida house of representatives from 1972 to 1974. sessums was a member of the state house from 1963 through 1972. he is a member of the democratic party. from 1979 through 1988, he was chair of the florida board of regents.