Darienne Driver, Ed.D., president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, announces the appointment of Tonya Adair to serve as chief impact officer. The former Milwaukee Public School District (MPSD) chief academic officer will drive the development and execution of United Way’s community impact strategy including Basic Needs, Health, Education and Economic Prosperity. She will lead a team of 12 in creating greater alignment, shared measurement and accelerated impact in underserved communities across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Adair officially joins the organization on November 1, 2018.
As a former administrative executive Adair brings more than 20 years of progressive experience navigating fast-paced diverse environments and has a proven track record leading cross-functional teams. She also has experience overseeing complex operations, community engagement and turnarounds, and securing multi-million-dollar grants. Adair also led national collective impact strategies designed to support children and families, and leveraged community networks/partnerships to advance the district’s launch and expansion of Milwaukee Community Schools in collaboration with United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha and The Milwaukee Teacher Education Association.
Prior to her role as chief academic officer, Adair served as chief innovation officer, high school principal and former assistant principal with MPSD. She began her career as an educator for Ouachita Parish Schools in her hometown of Monroe, LA.
In making the announcement Driver said, “The role of United Way is to be a catalyst for long-term social change toward improving the lives of others. We are thrilled Tonya will be leading our impact work, bringing experience as an executive, educator and in community engagement. She brings a unique set of relevant skills to the role that will help create epic impact for our families and individuals as well as our more than 200 agency partners throughout southeast Michigan.”
Adair will complete her Doctor of Philosophy in 2019 from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. Her educational achievements include a Master of Art in education, administrative leadership, from Alverno College in Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Science in education from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA.
In addition to Adair’s numerous board and professional affiliations in Milwaukee, she was recently inducted into The Alverno College Vanguard Society and received the Ladies of Great Distinction Award – African American Ladies Empowered to Grow Opportunities.
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About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through volunteerism, advocacy and its annual campaign. United Way is a leader in convening partners to achieve positive outcomes around Health, Education, and Economic Prosperity. For more information, visit www.UnitedWaySEM.org.