May 1, 2026 – MANASSAS, VA – Tikera Chisley, senior director, post award | grant monitoring and improvement for the division of sponsored programs of Dallas College has been elected to serve on the National Grants Management Association (NGMA) Board of Directors. Her three-year term began on May 1.
Chisley has more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, K-12 systems and state education agencies. In her current role, she leads strategic oversight of a multimillion-dollar grant portfolio and ensures compliance with federal, state and institutional policies. She develops and implements training programs, spearheads improvements of grant lifecycle operations to improve efficiency and regulatory alignment, and fosters a staff culture of service, accountability and ongoing improvement. She has worked in leadership positions with the Louisiana Department of Education, including federal programs lead and executive director of federal policy, and has experience in elementary education.
“The NGMA Board is pleased to welcome Tikera Chisley,” said Lashon Brown, CGMS, NGMA President. “Tikera’s experience in both funding and managing grant awards, coupled with her leadership record in the government and education sectors, bring a unique and welcome perspective to the Board.”
Chisley earned a master’s degree in education from Southern University A&M College. She has been a presenter at NGMA’s Annual Grants Training, the largest grants management training event in the nation, and served on NGMA’s ethics educational content development task force.
Chisley was elected by Association members by majority vote during the NGMA Board elections in February 2026. The NGMA Board of Directors is comprised of 12 member volunteers with experience in professional leadership roles and in grants management across numerous sectors including federal, state and local governments; education (K-12 and institutes of higher education); nonprofits; and tribal governments.
NGMA supports more than 7,500 professionals across grants management, including supervisory, support, accounting and compliance roles. NGMA provides the education, resources, community and support that professionals need to understand grants management guidance; advance professionally and personally; and expand their network. For more information, visit https://www.ngma.org/.