Tonya Lehman
Tonya Lehman is a seasoned Program Manager with a dynamic career spanning property management, financial technology, and project implementation. Beginning her professional journey in the apartment industry, she gained hands-on experience in leasing, sales, customer service, and property accounting. Her early roles honed her skills in managing large-scale finances, navigating complex systems, and providing exceptional client support, laying the foundation for her later success in corporate and FinTech environments.
Transitioning from property management to FinTech in 2017, Tonya quickly developed expertise in client implementations, system configurations, and project management processes. She has held roles such as Implementations Associate at Billhighway and Senior Implementation Project Manager at MeridianLink, where she contributed to client onboarding, internal process improvements, and team knowledge-sharing initiatives. Known for her proficiency with tools like SmartSheet and Asana, Tonya also emphasizes mentorship, people management, and creating strong customer outcomes through structured program and project management practices.
Tonya holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an MBA with a concentration in Project Management from the University of Phoenix. Her career trajectory reflects a dedication to growth, adaptability, and learning, moving from an initial pursuit of nursing to becoming a respected professional in program and project management. Throughout her career, she has earned recognition for her leadership, problem-solving skills, and commitment to fostering team development and client success.
• Own Your Voice: Improve Presentations and Executive Presence
• Executive Presence: Tips for Women
• Executive Presence on Video Conference Calls
• Developing Leadership Presence
• The Six Morning Habits of High Performers
• Essential New Skills in Project Management
• Artificial Intelligence: How Project Managers Can Leverage AI
• Change Management for Projects
• How to Become a Project Management Entrepreneur
• Business Acumen for Project Managers
• Mindfulness: A Critical Skill for Project Managers
• Managing Resources Across Project Teams
• University of Phoenix - MBA
• All Star Award
• CC 365 Award
• Meridian Link Multiplier award
• St. Louis Apartment Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success largely to my parents. Their strong work ethic, relentless drive, and emphasis on earning what you want while remaining grateful for what you have have been foundational lessons for me. I also owe a great deal to my mentor, Jennifer Van Hem, whose guidance, encouragement, and leadership have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to focus on practical learning. Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom if necessary—take the time to learn each role and shadow colleagues to understand how all parts of the organization work together. I also encourage setting clear goals, working hard, and persisting through challenges—success is achievable for anyone willing to put in the effort.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is adapting to AI. It’s becoming ubiquitous, and while there are still unknowns about how it will evolve, AI offers tremendous potential to streamline processes, accelerate implementations, and expand the digital reach of banks and credit unions. Embracing it thoughtfully can drive both efficiency and innovation across the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are a strong work ethic, gratitude, and the importance of mentorship. I also prioritize elevating others and supporting team success, believing that collective growth leads to the greatest achievements.
Locations
MeridianLink
Burton, MI 48529