Tonya Allen

Tonya Allen is a dynamic philanthropic leader, author, and speaker. As President of the McKnight Foundation, Tonya has helped to transform the nearly 75-year family institution into an innovative changemaking organization—launching the GroundBreak Coalition, championing net zero investments, and elevating the Foundation’s voice, assets, and leadership to strengthen communities and economies from the Twin Cities and beyond.

Prior to McKnight, Tonya spent 16 years at The Skillman Foundation, as president and CEO for eight years, investing in the brilliance and power of Detroit youth. She founded the Detroit Parent Network and led the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Rebuilding Communities Initiative in Detroit. She serves on many boards in Minnesota, including the GHR Foundation, Women Presidents Organization Minnesota, and Greater MSP, and nationally, she served as chair of the Council on Foundations and is co-chair of the Executives’ Alliance for Boys and Men of Color. She is also the co-chair of the President's Council on Impact Investing of the U.S. Impact Investing Alliance.