Trisha Tanner ’00 named executive director of the Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College

The Board of Directors of the Alumnae Association has named Trisha Tanner ’00 as the next executive director of the Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College. Tanner, who currently serves as the vice president of development and interim director of communications at Central European University (CEU) in Vienna, Austria, will start as the executive director on September 1. The board offered Tanner the position after an extensive international search led by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller and a hiring committee with the involvement from several active volunteers from across the globe, as well as key stakeholders from the College and the Alumnae Association.

“The moment I stepped through the College gates as a prospective student, I was struck by the power of the uncommon minds who came before me,” said  Tanner, reflecting on what brings her to serve as an ambassador and advocate for MHC alums. “The Mount Holyoke bond has shaped my life ever since — with alums across generations supporting each other in countless ways. Today, we are doing so in troubling times, as we face conflict, the climate crisis, and the rollback of rights and freedoms around the world. Our dynamic global community is a powerful counterpoint to such challenges, so I am especially honored to be selected to serve and engage all of you now.”

Before joining CEU, Tanner was director of private sector initiatives at the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based NGO dedicated to the prevention and resolution of deadly conflict. Prior to this, she spent a decade in the arts as a fundraiser, communications specialist and educator, including work in external relations and development at Artpace, a global artist residency program. In all of Tanner’s professional roles, she brings a deep understanding of how to connect and engage diverse constituents. She has worked to create and support contemporary, mission-aligned programs while empowering key stakeholders and volunteers to advance the critical work of their organizations. We are excited for the opportunity for her to bring this expertise to the Alumnae Association. 

Tanner, who graduated from Mount Holyoke with a major in critical social thought and a minor in studio art, has a long history of involvement with the Alumnae Association. She has volunteered in various capacities for more than 20 years, including serving as her class president, a member of the Clubs Committee and co-president of the Mount Holyoke Club of San Antonio. Her dedication was honored in 2015 when she received the Young Alum Volunteer Leadership Award in recognition of her “organizational strengths, initiative, enthusiasm and energy” and for offering diverse activities “designed to appeal to the different aspects of our community.”

“Trisha is a strong strategic thinker and a believer in the power of digital engagement to expand reach and affinity. We are excited to have her leadership as we continue the important strategic planning work started this year,” said Alumnae Association President Ellen Hyde Pace ’81. Tanner and her family will be relocating to the Pioneer Valley in September.

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9 responses to “Trisha Tanner ’00 named executive director of the Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College”

  1. Karin Gerlich says:

    Dear Tricia,

    Congratulations on your new assignment!

    With very best wishes from Vienna,
    Karin Gerlich

  2. Susan d’Olive Mozena says:

    Ellen, thank you for your leadership in this way, as in so many ways over the years. Congratulations on this appointment. Trisha sounds like a wonderful choice. I look forward to getting to know her.

    My very best wishes,

    Susan

    Susan d’Olive Mozena’67

  3. Angela Medina says:

    Tricia will be a tremendous leader of the Alumni Association! Proud of our fellow Class of 2000 alumna.

  4. Judith Burger-Gossart says:

    Excellent 21st century choice!

  5. Leslie Miller says:

    Ellen,
    What an impressive choice!
    Thanks for yet another example of your focused and strategic leadership.
    I look forward to meeting Tricia and to seeing you in the near future.

    All best,
    Leslie Miller

  6. susie beers betzer says:

    Dear Ellen,
    Thank you for the exciting news about the appointment of Tricia Tanner ’00 to the ED position for our Alumnae Association! She sounds like an amazing person, exceptionally well-qualified for this challenging position, especially as we anticipate a new president for MHC in the next year. Meanwhile,Tricia will be a strong partner for the wonderful interim MHC President Beverly Tatum, who made possible our Agreement between the Association and College in 2003.

    Having been part of the search committee for a previous ED, I particularly thank you for all the time and effort I know went into this!

    Warmly,

    Susie Beers Betzer ’65

  7. Malini Shankar nee Viswanathan says:

    Heartiest congratulations and best wishes!

  8. I know Tricia from her work at the International Crisis Group and you couldn’t have picked a better leader for this important position !!

  9. Susan Davis Gerber ‘75 says:

    Tricia –
    Congratulations on your appointment to the management of the Alumni Association. Excited to have someone that I know from working on the Clubs Committee be a part of the planning process for the future.

    Good luck !

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