Toni Irving, Ph.D., is Executive Director of Get IN Chicago, a private fund with a public mission. The fund invests in programs targeted at acutely high-risk youth and convenes public and private organizations to help make Chicago safer and individual lives better.

Previously, Dr. Irving was Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn. She oversaw policy and planning, personnel, legislative and operations issues for public safety and human services agencies. As Senior Advisor, she advised the governor on minority business and workforce development issues and on strategies to assist poverty- and violence-stricken communities. Irving implemented a therapeutic model of care in the department of Juvenile Justice which led to a population decrease of 64% as well as the closure of two state juvenile facilities during her tenure.

Prior to her government service, Dr. Irving was a member of the faculty at the University of Notre Dame where she conducted research and teaching on law, literature and social policy. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, Master of Arts degree from the University of Kent at Canterbury, England, and Ph.D. from New York University.

Toni is a member of the Points of Light Foundation board, Juvenile Justice Leadership Council, Mead Endowment Board, The Wayfarers Club, and The Economic Club of Chicago where she chairs the Young Leaders Committee. In 2011, Dr. Irving received the MacArthur Foundation “Champion for Change” award, recognizing her efforts to reform juvenile justice. Born in Philadelphia, she has resided in Chicago since 2000.