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Lisa Toney
President & CEO at Association of Performing Arts Professionals
Professional Background
Lisa Toney is an accomplished leader in the performing arts sector, with a career spanning over two decades. Currently serving as the President & CEO at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Lisa has made a significant impact on the arts community through her innovative leadership and commitment to enriching the lives of artists and audiences alike. Under her presidency, the association has expanded its outreach and developed new initiatives focused on fostering sustainability and growth within performing arts organizations.
Prior to her role at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Lisa built a diverse and rich career in the arts. She served as the Executive Director at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, where she worked tirelessly to promote dance education and create opportunities for young artists. Her tenure at the academy was marked by a series of successful programs that empowered students and nurtured their talents.
As a former National Director for Writers in Schools at The PEN/Faulkner Foundation, Lisa dedicated her efforts to enhancing the literary landscape by connecting young writers with established authors, facilitating workshops, and promoting creative expression in schools. Lisa's role as the Executive Director of the Abramson Scholarship Foundation further showcases her commitment to education, particularly in providing financial assistance to promising students pursuing higher education in the arts.
With a wealth of experience at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, including positions as Deputy Director and Special Events/Arts Program Manager, Lisa played a crucial role in promoting the arts within the District of Columbia. Her strategic vision and ability to cultivate partnerships among artists and organizations helped elevate the commission's impact, resulting in enhanced funding and support for local arts initiatives.
In addition to these leadership roles, Lisa has contributed to numerous organizations as an independent arts management consultant, sharing her expertise with artists and non-profit organizations seeking guidance in the ever-evolving landscape of the arts.
Education and Achievements
Lisa's academic journey is as impressive as her professional career. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and English from Spelman College, where she developed a strong foundation in the performing arts and literature. Building on this knowledge, Lisa pursued a Master of Arts in Educational Theatre at New York University, equipping her with the skills to lead arts education initiatives effectively.
Her commitment to continuous learning led her back to New York University for another Master of Arts focusing on Arts Education, as well as coursework in Arts Administration. These advanced studies have significantly influenced her approach to arts management and education, allowing her to bring a deep understanding of both pedagogical strategies and administrative practices to her roles.
Recognizing the importance of effective management in the arts sector, Lisa also obtained a Certificate in Arts Management from the Kennedy Center Vilar Institute of Arts Management. This additional training has been instrumental in her capacity to lead organizations towards operational excellence and strategic growth.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Lisa Toney has been recognized for her contributions to the arts community and her leadership in various capacities. As a former Board Member of the Mosaic Theater Company of DC and Capitol Hill Day School, she has collaborated with other thought leaders to promote artistic innovation and education. Her volunteer efforts in these roles demonstrate her commitment to cultivating thriving artistic ecosystems.
Lisa's advocacy for the arts extends beyond her professional roles; she is a beloved figure in the arts community, respected not just for her accomplishments but also for her dedication to mentoring emerging artists and leaders. Her ability to foster relationships within the arts and to strengthen collaboration between organizations has paved the way for new opportunities and resources for artists across different genres.
Conclusion
Lisa Toney's extensive educational background and varied career in arts management highlight her lifelong dedication to arts education, advocacy, and organizational leadership. With a comprehensive understanding of the performing arts landscape and a commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, Lisa continues to be a driving force in the industry. Her passion for the arts and her tireless work ethic make her an inspiring figure, both within the organization she leads and in the wider community.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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