The McKnight Foundation has announced that Tonya Allen will lead the Foundation as president, effective March 1, 2021. Allen comes to McKnight as a distinguished leader in philanthropy, most recently as president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation in Detroit. Poised for its next chapter, the Foundation sees her as precisely the right person to take the helm during this historic time. In the midst of a global pandemic, a national racial reckoning, and the climate crisis, Allenâs bold and visionary leadership will accelerate McKnightâs progress in addressing this generationâs most complex and urgent problems.
âTonya is a dynamic and innovative leader who builds on the strength of McKnightâs long family history, values, and grantmaking,â said Noa Staryk, McKnightâs incoming board chair. âWith her integrity, her brilliance, and her proven track record, we have complete confidence in Tonya as a trusted, capable, impactful leader who will move our mission forward.â Staryk, a fourth-generation family member and long-serving board member, will succeed current chair Debby Landesman in January.