by Beth Hester / Photo above, Tiffany Boyle
CoVaBIZ: Your father worked for Boeing when you were young, and your family lived in Saudi Arabia for a time. You later attended boarding school in Germany. These experiences gave you an early, global perspective that not every young person has the opportunity to develop. How did those formative years shape the person you became, and in what ways do they continue to influence your approach to life and work today?
Boyle: My adolescent years were truly blessed, thanks to my parents’ decision to move our family across the world. Living in Saudi Arabia gave me a deep appreciation for a culture and religion very different from my own. I learned practical things—like how to shop in local markets, how daily life shifts around prayer times, and how to honor traditions like Ramadan and Hajj. Hajj was a favorite time of year for me because it brought together people from all over the world. The variety of accents, customs, and even the different smells in the air made it an incredibly exciting and eye-opening experience.
Later, attending a Christian boarding school in Germany was a completely different chapter. Traveling back and forth between countries for example, I couldn’t eat beef because of mad cow disease in one place and couldn’t eat pork in another. These experiences taught me to understand and appreciate differences, not just in food but in people and perspectives. They sparked my lifelong love of travel and helped me realize how much I value diversity.
All these formative experiences shape how I approach life and work today. Whether I’m leading a team or serving the public, I remember that everyone comes from a different background. I strive to treat my employees and the taxpayers with empathy and respect, always appreciating the unique perspectives they bring.
After graduating from Virginia Wesleyan with a degree in business management, you could have chosen to begin your career path anywhere in the world. Ultimately, you chose to build your career in Newport News, and to use your talents in on behalf of the city and the greater Hampton Roads region. What factors led you stay in the area?
My daughter was the biggest factor in my decision to stay in Newport News after I graduated from Virginia Wesleyan. As a single mother, it was incredibly important to me that she could grow up close to both sides of her family. Being a parent often means making sacrifices so your children can have more opportunities and a strong support system, and I wanted to give her that foundation. That’s why I chose to stay and make Newport News my home, dedicating my talents and energy to serving the city and the greater Hampton Roads region. It’s a decision I’ve never regretted, because it allowed me to build both a meaningful career and a nurturing environment for my daughter.
As Master Commissioner of the Revenue, what aspects of your role bring you the greatest personal satisfaction? Which programs and initiatives are you most proud to have led or advanced?
It’s the opportunity to genuinely help people. Taxes aren’t always seen in a positive light, but I find real fulfillment in educating the public about why taxes matter and how they directly serve our community. Being able to break down complex topics and show people the value behind the process is incredibly rewarding.
In your work with the city and in your volunteer efforts, you collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders. How do you approach advancing ideas and building consensus among diverse perspectives?
I focus on problem-solving, which is a core part of how I operate—sometimes to a fault! When I see an opportunity for improvement or a solution to a problem, I start by working through the idea myself to ensure it’s practical and well thought out. Next, I identify all the relevant stakeholders and make it a priority to get their buy-in. I present possible solutions and invite feedback, always considering how different perspectives and backgrounds might influence the outcome. My own diverse experiences have taught me to think beyond my own viewpoint and to consider how decisions will impact others. I believe that by being intentional about including voices different from my own, I can build stronger consensus and create solutions that truly serve everyone.
You’ve been deeply involved with Access Virginia, an organization devoted to ensuring that people with visual and hearing impairments can enjoy access to museums, the theater, and other artistic programs. Would you share a little about your involvement, and why you chose that particular volunteer outlet?
My involvement with Access Virginia began because my mother, Lois Boyle, is the founder and executive director, so at first, I was “voluntold” to help out. But over time, it truly became a volunteer role filled with love and purpose. Meeting the patrons who benefit from Access Virginia’s services has been life-changing for me. Their passion for the arts and the importance of making cultural experiences accessible is both inspiring and motivating.
The children are especially close to my heart. Watching them learn how to put on a play or seeing their excitement during performances is something I cherish. Going through audio description training was also eye-opening—it taught me to be more mindful of my language and how I describe objects or directions, which has helped me think more deeply about inclusivity. Overall, my work with Access Virginia has been a meaningful way to support accessibility and celebrate the joy the arts can bring to everyone.
If you could invite three people, living or dead, to a dinner party with your family and colleagues, who would they be, and why?
I would choose Maya Angelou and my two grandmothers. I believe all three would offer invaluable words of wisdom and encouragement, each from their own unique perspective. Maya Angelou’s insight and grace have always inspired me, and I know her presence would spark thoughtful conversation. My grandmothers, with their lived experiences and quiet strength, would bring a sense of family history and grounding. Together, their voices would create an atmosphere of learning, support, and inspiration for everyone at the table.
What’s the most unexpected item on your desk—or in your office—and is there a story behind it?
It’s a business card from when I was an account technician at the Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue office, probably dating back to 2009 or 2010. Somebody found it tucked away in my old desk when I became Commissioner. That card is more than just a piece of office memorabilia—it’s a powerful reminder of where I started and how far I’ve come. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of the journey, the growth, and just how special our team is. It keeps me grounded and grateful for the experiences and people who have shaped my path.
