Tonya Adair

Biography

Tonya Adair is Chief Impact Officer at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She joined the organization in 2018 and provides executive oversight of the community impact strategies for United Way, assuring consistent focus on stable households and thriving children for communities served.

In her role as CIO, Tonya collaborates with all areas of the organization to ensure the cohesiveness and shared decision-making that’s needed for strategy development, execution and accountability of all community impact activities. She also provides professional support and leadership for several committees, including the establishment of the Community Impact Council, which launched in August of 2019. The purpose of the council is to ensure the successful achievement of our community impact goals.

Prior to joining United Way, Tonya spent 25 years as an educator. Her roles ranged from teacher to chief academic officer. She began her career as a teacher at Ouachita Parish Schools in her hometown of Monroe, Louisiana, most recently served for Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Public Schools.

Tonya has an extensive formal education background that continues to expand. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, and a master’s degree in education administration and leadership from Alverno College in Milwaukee. She also holds a human resource management certification from Cardinal Stritch University of Milwaukee where she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in language and literacy.

A recent transplant to Michigan, Tonya served on 10 boards and committees in Milwaukee. She was a Campaign Cabinet member for United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha. She continues to blaze trails as a leader most recently being selected as a 2020 Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) participant for United Way Worldwide, in addition to being elected to City Year Detroit Board Board of Directors in July of 2019.

Tonya’s career has resulted in several awards and honors, including: Ladies of Great Distinction Award -African American Ladies Empowered to Grow (AALEGO), Implementer of the Year; Educational Administrator of the Year; Top Ladies of Distinction Award, Wisconsin Women on the Move; Educational Administrator of the Year along with several others. Additionally, in 2018, she was inducted into the Alverno College Vanguard Society.

Tonya’s hobbies include singing and writing. She is a proud mother of three adult sons – Jeremy, Marcus and Johnathan — who all share their mom’s talent and love for music.