Indiana Black Expo’s Tanya Mckinzie to start private consulting firm

adminMarch 23, 2024

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Tanya McKinzie, president and CEO of Indiana Black Expo

Indiana Black Expo president Tanya Mckinzie will step down from her position at the end of the year, the organization announced Monday.

Mckinzie’s successor has already been chosen by Indiana Black Expo’s board of directors and will be Alice Watson, who is currently the senior vice president with the organization.

Mckinzie has led the organization for 15 years. Watson will take over as president in January 2023, according to a news release from the organization.

“This experience has been life-changing,” Mckinzie said in the news release. “I hold steadfast to the principle in Ecclesiastes that there is a season for everything. As IBE continues to encourage so many aspiring entrepreneurs to step out on faith and use their gifts, talents and abilities to create generational wealth for their families, I have made the decision to join the ranks of so many others and start my own consulting business.”

Mckinzie plans to work with clients in Indianapolis and across the state of Indiana with her new consulting firm, she said.

“One of my takeaways is the power of partnerships and collaboration,” Mckinzie said. “It has been amazing to work with a lot of different stakeholders and to have a seat at the table. What I have learned is partnerships and collaborations are powerful. I look forward to building partnerships and collaborations in my own practice. I’ve learned to give back and will continue to elevate others.”

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Mckinzie is known for making improvements to Indiana Black Expo’s finances, operations and infrastructure, according to the organization.

Under her leadership, the organization saw 14 years of clean financial audits while remaining debt free with sufficient funds in reserve.

The organization also saw the purchase of a 45,000 square-foot campus on the east side of Indianapolis and investment of more than $1.6 million in building improvements without a capital campaign and no debt under Mckinzie’s leadership, the news release stated.

The organization created the Education Conference where professional development is provided annually to thousands of educators and administrators across the country in the area of cultural competency under Mckinzie’s leadership.

In 2019, the organization was recognized by the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBKA) as a community to watch for IBE’s work to improve life outcomes for Black boys and young men.

The organization launched a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Academy and Community Learning Hub on the east side of Indianapolis that provides development and support to youth and families as well as the Black Business Training Institute for 120 business owners in Central Indiana.

“I am excited about IBE’s future and the unwavering commitment of our board, staff, members, volunteers and partners across the state of Indiana to take IBE and our community to higher heights,” Mckinzie said.

Watson has led the day-to-day operations of Indiana Black Expo for the past 10 years, according to the press release.

Prior to working at IBE, Watson was appointed by former Governor Mitch Daniels as the Deputy Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Administration where she led the Department of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises Division from 2008 until 2010.

Prior to working for the state, Watson served as a national accounts sales executive where she utilized her expertise in sales, advertising, marketing and financial planning, according to the press release.

“We are entering an exciting period for the organization and are grateful for the solid foundation that has been laid by Ms. Mckinzie,” Watson said in the press release. “I look forward to working with the IBE board, staff, and stakeholders on carrying out our strategic plan to implement impactful programming and advocacy, solidifying our place in history for the next 50 years.”

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit statewide organization with 12 chapter affiliates.

The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African American people, according to the organization.

IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, Black Business Training Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Employment Opportunity Fair and Business Series and Conference.