Candid announces CEO retirement

Candid’s Board of Trustees announced today the retirement of our CEO and President Ann Mei Chang, after nearly five years of leadership in the organization. To ensure a smooth transition, Ann Mei will continue to serve in her role until the Board appoints interim leadership, expected to be in place by this summer, after which it will conduct a national search for Candid’s next permanent CEO.

The CEO search is expected to take several months in order to allow for a thoughtful, comprehensive, and intentional process. Throughout, the Board’s priority will be to ensure continuity, stability, and support for staff, partners, and the communities Candid serves.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Candid through this time of transition,” said Ann Mei Chang. “The rapid advancement of AI technologies have significantly elevated the need and value of robust, comprehensive, and current data. Candid is ideally positioned to ensure these tools are powered by accurate data and enable us to do more good together.”

During Ann Mei’s tenure, Candid fulfilled the promise of the merger of GuideStar and Foundation Center with the launch of Candid search, a next generation platform that enables users to access and draw insights from the most comprehensive data about the social sector. In the midst of a rapidly changing landscape, Candid has sharpened its vision and strategy to become a “data first” organization, focusing on its unique role in curating the data and information that is needed to drive decision making for nonprofits and funders alike.

“Ann Mei’s rare experience spanning technology, nonprofits, and funders has been invaluable in cementing Candid’s role as essential infrastructure for the social sector,” said Board Chair Rhett Mabry, President of the Duke Endowment. “The Board and I are incredibly grateful for her steady leadership in uncertain times, strengthening and preparing Candid for our next chapter.”