Becky Hiromi Takeda-Tinker

Becky Hiromi Takeda-Tinker died in peace and comfort on Friday, May 8, 2026 at UC Health Highlands Ranch with members of her loving family at her side. On April 30, a week prior to her death, she retired from the Colorado State University (CSU) System having just stepped down from her role as the President and CEO of CSU Global due to her declining health. Her retirement culminated a life that was committed to service, leading by example, and focused on making a difference in the world.

Becky was born in Sacramento, CA to Susumu Takeda and Judy (nee Aoyama) Takeda on March 30, 1963. During her 63 years of life, Becky lived a full life and left an indelible mark on the lives of many people through her positive attitude, her passion for her work, and her concern for others’ personal and professional growth and well-being.

A life-long learner, Becky earned a BA in Economics, UCLA, 1985; MBA Finance, Santa Clara University, 1999; and a PhD in Organization and Management, Capella University, 2007. Her education led to a unique and distinctive career that included working in Private Equity and Technology in Silicon Valley, Strategic Consulting, a Business Owner, and in Higher Education as President and CEO CSU Global and the Chief Education and Operations Innovation Officer for the CSU System. Additionally, she served the State of Colorado as Recovery Officer, Colorado Departments of Labor & Employment and Higher Education and as a Commissioner on the Colorado Economic Development Commission.

Becky’s life of service extended to several organizations, which include: International Women’s Forum/Past President, South Metro Denver Chamber; Governor’s Small Business Council; National Board of the Small Business Development Center; Higher Learning Commission; Students First Coalition; Douglas County District Accountability Committee; and the National Association of Women Business Owners.

She also served as a board member for the Colorado Business Roundtable; Lone Tree Arts Center; Haselden Construction; Asian Pacific Development Center; and Southern Nevada Make-A-Wish Foundation.

During the course of her career, she was recognized with numerous awards, most notably Outstanding Leader of the Year, South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, 2012; Women’s Hall of Fame, Leadership in Higher Education, 2016; Woman of Distinction, Girl Scouts of Colorado, October 2018; and Top 25 Most Powerful Women, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, 2020.

Despite her many educational and career accomplishments, Becky stated her most important decision and accomplishment in her life was becoming a Christian when she was baptized into Christ by immersion for the forgiveness of her sins on August 18, 2019. She is a member of the body of Christ and attended the Castle Rock Church of Christ.

Becky’s father, Susumu Takeda, and brother-in-law, Steve Jones, predeceased her. She is survived by her mother, Judy Takeda, Colorado Springs; husband, Allen Tinker, Lone Tree; daughter, Natalie Tinker-Hicks (Connor), Parker; sisters—Cindy Jones, Colorado Springs; Traci Takeda-Beasley (James) Danville, CA; nephew, William Beasley, Danville, CA; and niece Jessica Jones, Colorado Springs.

If anyone wants to honor her life and memory, please consider making a donation to either Rocky Mountain ALS or Lads to Leadership (a faith based non-profit in Montgomery, AL).