Tonia Teasley is the new PACER Center executive director. She will join the disability service organization in March. 

Teasley succeeds longtime executive director and PACER cofounder Paula Goldberg, who died in May 2022. Goldberg had led PACER Center since 1977. 

“Tonia is ideally suited for this position,” said PACER Board President Mark O’Leary. “She has managed large teams, significant budgets, and complicated projects, and she is also a parent of adult children with disabilities. She truly understands PACER’s philosophy of ‘parents helping parents.’” 

Teasley brings extensive business experience to her new role, as well as a strong commitment for PACER’s mission of championing children with disabilities and their families. She most recently served as the regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross for Minnesota and the Dakotas. 

She also has held executive-level positions with Capella Education Company, Thomson Reuters and the Emmerich Group. She is a graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota Law School. 

She has written extensively on her “Untangle the Knot” blog about the difficulties families have navigating the complexities of the laws and regulations surrounding education and services for people with disabilities. 

“It is a joy and an honor to join PACER as its executive director,” Teasley said. “I look forward to building on the incredible legacy of co-founders Paula Goldberg and Marge Goldberg and to working with the staff and board on the next chapter of this vital organization.” 

Longtime PACER employee Gretchen Godfrey, who has worked at PACER in a variety of roles since 2004, has served as interim executive director.