Tobi Lyon, MBA, CAE

Tobi Lyon, MBA, CAE, is an entrepreneur, executive leader, sought-after strategic planner, and South Dakota native with more than 25 years of experience leading organizational growth, workforce development, and operational transformation across healthcare, nonprofit, professional association, and multi-state environments.

Widely recognized for her innovative thinking, honest leadership style, and out-of-the-box approach to problem-solving, Tobi has built a reputation for developing growth strategies, strengthening organizations, and building collaborative partnerships that drive measurable results.

As Founder & CEO of Ngage Management, Tobi built and scaled the organization from a startup into Michigan’s largest association management company, supporting organizations across 12 states while leading a distributed workforce spanning more than 15 states and 100+ employees. Under her leadership, Ngage became known for its modern, flexible, and highly collaborative approach to organizational management and strategic execution.

Tobi brings creativity, strategy, and a solutions-focused mindset to every challenge while working closely with boards, executive leadership teams, policymakers, healthcare systems, investors, and community stakeholders in complex, mission-driven organizations.

She fostered a positive, forward-thinking culture that attracted and retained a loyal, high-performing team with diverse expertise and perspectives. Together, Tobi and the Ngage team became recognized for helping organizations strengthen membership growth, increase engagement, expand revenue, and navigate complex organizational challenges.

Key Leadership Impact

  • Scaled multi-state operations supporting state, national, and international organizations

  • Achieved 85% year-over-year organizational growth

  • Maintained 98% client retention through strategic growth and operational alignment

  • Led a 100+ person distributed workforce across 15+ states

  • Increased membership by 373% and financial reserves by 910% as CEO of the American Nurses Association–Michigan

  • Successfully transitioned Ngage ownership in 2025 following years of sustained growth and industry recognition

  • Recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year and recipient of Michigan’s “50 Companies to Watch”

Education

  • MBA, University of Iowa

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, Mount Mercy College

  • Certified Association Executive (CAE)

Awards & Recognition

  • ATHENA PowerLink Recipient — 2022

  • Michigan 50 Companies to Watch — 2020

  • Greater Lansing Entrepreneur of the Year — 2020

  • Best of MichBusiness – Small Business — 2020

  • “10 Over the Next 10,” Lansing Regional Chamber — 2010

  • Top 40 Under 40 in Wyoming — 2008

  • Outstanding Community Service Award — 2007

  • Leadership Excellence Award — 2004

Leadership Philosophy

Tobi’s leadership philosophy centers on building organizations that perform through strategic execution, innovation, accountability, and strong people-focused leadership.

She believes long-term success comes from aligning vision, operations, culture, and stakeholder engagement while empowering teams to think creatively, adapt quickly, and solve complex challenges collaboratively.

Known for her honest, straightforward approach and ability to think beyond conventional models, Tobi focuses on creating measurable impact, fostering high-performing cultures, and building organizations positioned for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Following the successful transition of Ngage ownership in 2025, Tobi continues to focus on leadership opportunities centered on organizational growth, workforce strategy, economic development, stakeholder engagement, and community impact.

CEO & Founder