Lisa Richards Toney has led the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) as President and CEO since July 2020. With more than 25 years of leadership in arts and humanities organizations, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to guide institutions through transformation and growth. Under her leadership, APAP navigated the challenges of the pandemic, launching cutting-edge virtual conferences, member-centered initiatives like the Real Talk in Real Time series, and a five-year sustainability plan to future-proof the organization’s impact.
Lisa thrives on innovation and reinvention, consistently finding ways to meet the changing needs of the performing arts field. She challenges traditional models by drawing inspiration from outside industries, asking, “What can we learn as we build forward?” Her vision for APAP emphasizes creating value for members and positioning the organization as a servant-leader dedicated to advancing the performing arts ecosystem.
Before APAP, Lisa made her mark as Executive Director of the Abramson Scholarship Foundation, where she expanded professional development for scholars, and at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities as Deputy and Interim Executive Director, advocating for D.C.’s vibrant arts community. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Writers and Schools at the Pen/Faulkner Foundation and was the inaugural Executive Director of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, where she combined artistry and strategic growth.
Lisa’s career reflects her philosophy of reinvention as an art form. From her beginnings as a dancer to her transitions into arts education, administration, and leadership, she has consistently leveraged her multifaceted experiences to create meaningful impact. She credits early inspiration from mentors like Carol Foster, who encouraged her leadership at just 14, and formative training at Alvin Ailey School, which sparked her drive to pursue new ventures.
Lisa believes in the power of connection and collaboration. “We all need safe spaces,” she reflects, “to test our ideas and build confidence.” Her work ensures that APAP remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of artists, educators, and organizations, fostering a field where everyone can thrive.
A noted writer and speaker, Lisa authors the monthly column “A View From Here” for International Arts Magazine, where she shares insights on pressing issues shaping the performing arts field. She has brought her expertise to audiences across regions and cultures, from China to Madison to Romania, highlighting industry innovation and sector-wide trends. Recognized as one of “The Next 50” by the Kennedy Center and appointed to the NYC Live Entertainment Industry Council by Mayor Eric Adams, Lisa’s influence continues to shape the future of the field.
Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor’s in Drama and English from Spelman College, where she was a Presidential Scholar, and a Master’s in Arts Education from NYU as a John Beinecke Scholar. She further enriched her perspective through a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship studying Black Dance in Britain and a Vilar Arts Management Fellowship at the Kennedy Center.
Lisa was recently featured on
The Middle Woman podcast, where she shared her professional journey and offered insights on fostering access and opportunity in the performing arts.
Listen here. Her career embodies leadership, adaptability, and service, making her a driving force in shaping and empowering the future of the arts.
