Tanya Bell Mckinzie, who has overseen Indiana Black Expo for 15 years, will step down as president and CEO at the end of the year. She announced the move in an email April 11.
Mckinzie said her decision to step down stretches back to four years ago, when she went through the contract process with IBE’s board and made it known she wouldn’t extend her stay past this year.
“This seems like a good time for me to depart,” she said in an interview, noting her daughter will graduate from high school this year.
Mckinzie will open a consulting business.
Alice Watson will take over as president and CEO at the beginning of 2023. Watson is currently senior vice president of operations and project management.
In her announcement, Mckinizie said Watson has been “an invaluable asset to our senior leadership team and the success of the organization.”
Prior to working at IBE, Watson was appointed by former Gov. 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.
“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 a statement. “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.”
During Mckinzie’s tenure, IBE relocated its headquarters to a 43,000-square-foot building on the east side, launched a performing arts academy for youth and led a conference for 14 years where educators and administrators received professional development.
Mckinzie also acknowledged the criticism she has faced over the years, which she said was mostly related to IBE events.
“Hopefully I’ve dealt with them professionally,” she said of critics. “In this role, you’re gonna be open for criticism. There’s a lot that the leader has to manage as it relates to providing a lot of entertainment but also doing it in a way that is balanced and aligns with the mission of the organization.”
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853 or email at tylerf@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
