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August 5, 2026
![Mike Butz headshot.]()
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2026
CLEVELAND—Toi D. Comer, a nonprofit executive who has led organizational growth and advanced philanthropy at mission-driven institutions for more than 20 years, has been named Cleveland Institute of Art's new Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
Throughout her career—which has included executive leadership roles at United Way of Greater Cleveland and City Year Cleveland—Comer has led transformational initiatives that have strengthened organizations, expanded philanthropic investment and increased mission impact.
She now brings those skills to CIA at a moment of meaningful institutional momentum and philanthropic success. The College is in the final stretch of its $35 million Transformation Campaign, which has led to doubling the endowment and opening the state-of-the-art Interactive Media Lab. At the same time, CIA is in the final year of its ambitious 2020–27 Strategic Plan and actively implementing broader business model transformation efforts. When a new strategic plan is adopted next year, Comer will play a central role in advancing that vision through philanthropy, partnerships, advocacy and constituent engagement.
"I am honored to advance the Cleveland Institute of Art's enduring legacy championing strategic philanthropic investment in an institution where creativity fuels leadership, innovation and lasting societal impact," Comer says. "As higher education evolves, CIA distinguishes itself by cultivating creative problem solvers who transform ideas into solutions, shaping industries, strengthening communities and driving meaningful change. I look forward to helping to build enduring partnerships that expand opportunity, inspire investment in the next generation of creative talent, and empower leaders whose impact will extend far beyond the classroom."
Comer will begin in her new role Monday, August 17 following a national search. She succeeds Malou Monago, who led CIA's Office of Institutional Advancement for more than a decade before retiring July 31.
In her new role, Comer will play a pivotal role in advancing CIA's philanthropic vision and long-term sustainability, leading fundraising, alumni engagement and institutional advancement strategies. As a key member of the President's Cabinet, she will partner closely with the President + CEO, Board of Directors, donors, alumni and community stakeholders to strengthen philanthropic support, expand strategic partnerships, enhance constituent engagement and inspire a culture of philanthropy that fuels the College's mission.
"I am delighted to welcome Toi Comer to CIA as our next Vice President of Institutional Advancement," says CIA President + CEO Kathryn Heidemann. "Throughout her distinguished career, Toi has demonstrated exceptional fundraising success—a quality that will be crucial to the College as we close our Transformation Campaign and further philanthropic investments focused on our next phase of strategic priorities. Her proven ability to generate impactful, goal-oriented investment—combined with her collaborative leadership style, deep community connections and passion for educational opportunity—make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team as we advance CIA's mission and future growth."
Comer's executive leadership experience includes serving as Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of Greater Cleveland, where she led strategic resource development efforts and a high-performing fundraising team. She also spent more than a decade with City Year Cleveland, progressing from Development Director to Senior Vice President and Executive Director, helping drive 65 percent revenue growth over five years while expanding organizational capacity and deepening community engagement.
Beyond her executive roles, Comer is an active service leader who serves on nonprofit boards and advisory committees across Greater Cleveland. She has been recognized by Crain's Cleveland Business as both a Notable Black Leader and a Woman of Note and by Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio as a Woman of Distinction for her leadership and community impact.
A graduate of Leadership Cleveland and Cleveland Bridge Builders, Comer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Cleveland State University.
Contacts
Cleveland Institute of Art
Michael C. Butz, Director of College Communications + External Relations
mcbutz@cia.edu / 216.421.7404
Michael C. Butz, Director of College Communications + External Relations
mcbutz@cia.edu / 216.421.7404
Cleveland Institute of Art
The Cleveland Institute of Art is a private, nonprofit college of art and design that has been the training ground for countless students who have gone on to make important contributions to the fields of creativity and innovation since it opened in 1882 as the Western Reserve School of Design for Women. Its students have designed internationally recognized products, their artwork has been exhibited in major museums and private collections around the world, and their entertainment media has been enjoyed by audiences and game players for generations. It enrolls about 550 students nationally and internationally and has a faculty of about 100 full-time and adjunct members, all of whom are practicing artists, designers and scholars.
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