Tonya Malik-Carson is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including leadership roles in arts organizations and higher education. She spent a decade in marketing and public relations within the nonprofit arts sector, followed by more than 12 years in advancement at Colorado State University, which informs a strategic, insight-driven approach to recruiting and advising senior leaders. Known for building strong relationships grounded in trust and empathy, she partners with mission-driven organizations to identify, assess, and onboard leaders equipped to navigate complexity and drive impact.

Tonya brings a distinctive blend of artistic perspective and institutional leadership experience. As a creator, collaborator, and musician, she has taught children’s theater workshops, advised on collaborative projects as a director and teacher of physical storytelling methods, and she has contributed to numerous original works as a writer, director, and performer—an active practice that strengthens her ability to engage thoughtfully with organizations and their leadership needs.

At Colorado State University, Tonya led the College of Liberal Arts development team to elevate the College’s profile and achieve ambitious fundraising results through strategic leadership, cross-campus collaboration, and deep advancement expertise—doubling fundraising outcomes and securing the largest gift in its history. As a member of the University Advancement leadership team, she also helped shape institutional strategy, team development, and organizational effectiveness.

She holds an MFA from the London International School of the Performing Arts, an MBA from Colorado State University, and a BA from Naropa University.

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