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Candace Osunsade

Global Chief People Officer/EVP Global People Resources (GPR)

Candace’s role

Candace has been CRS’ EVP/Global Chief People Officer since October 2020.

She is an award-winning and respected industry thought leader with expertise in transformational change. Prior to joining CRS, she was the Senior VP/Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. National Aquarium.

In her CRS role, Candace is spearheading the globalization of human resources by strengthening the division’s position in delivering direct service to over 8,000 CRS staff around the world, while also being a strategic thought partner to Agency leaders on complex people challenges.

Under her helm, GPR has launched HR transformation efforts to enhance HR capabilities and service excellence across the Agency. In addition, she is driving an Agency-wide total compensation strategy to meet our workforce goals and overseeing initiatives that are deepening employee experience in alignment with CRS’ values, culture, and deep commitment to respecting human dignity—all with the goal of making meaningful progress toward realizing CRS’ Vision 2030 Strategy.

Education and other roles

A graduate of Cornell University, Candace is a certified Senior Human Resource Professional, a Non-Profit Standards of Excellence Consultant and an Executive Leadership Coach.

She was awarded as one of the Top 100 Women in Maryland by The Daily Record in 2024 and recognized as the Non-Profit Chief Human Resource Officer of the Year in 2015 by HRO Today. Candace is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Executive Alliance, and the Women’s Business Council.

She is also a Board Member for Building Steps, Associated Black Charities, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and the Maryland Governor’s Tourism and Development Commission.

More about Candace

Candace is deeply committed to supporting organizations in Baltimore and West Africa that advance educational access and outcomes for underserved students. With an additional home base in Nigeria, she also dedicates her efforts to empowering women and cultivating the next generation of women leaders.