Tami Heim will give the commencement address at the York University graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026. More than 100 students are expected to receive their diplomas during the spring commencement ceremony, which will be held at 10 a.m. in the Campbell Activity Center (corner of 10th and Mayhew Ave.) on the York University campus.

 

Tami Heim has served as president and CEO of the Christian Leadership Alliance since January 2012. In 2026, the alliance celebrates its 50th anniversary. Her professional career includes executive leadership experience across the technology, marketing, publishing, and retail industries. She has served as a partner in The A Group – Brand Development, executive vice president and chief publishing officer for Thomas Nelson Publishers, and president of Borders, Inc. Following her graduation from Purdue University, Heim spent 22 years with Federated Department Stores, where she led merchandise divisions, stores, and regional chains.

 

Heim has also contributed extensively in nonprofit leadership, serving on boards for organizations including EQUIP, Lead Like Jesus, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Growing Leaders, Christianity Today, the National Association of Evangelicals, Best Christian Workplaces, ECFA, and Christian Leadership Alliance. Her for-profit board experience includes service with Oshkosh B’Gosh.

 

In her current role, Heim leads a team dedicated to equipping nonprofit leaders to steward the business of ministry with God-honoring excellence. Today, the Alliance influences more than 40 million leaders across 125 countries, providing resources and lifelong learning experiences rooted in nine core disciplines aligned with Biblical principles.

 

The commencement ceremony at York University will run approximately two hours and will include a performance by the University Singers in addition to Heim’s address.

 

The doors will open one hour prior to the ceremony for guests. No tickets are required. The event is open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reserved seating is permitted, with the exception of arrangements made in advance for individuals needing special accommodations. To request accommodations, please contact Valene Roseke at vmroseke@york.edu at least 48 hours prior to the event.