CANDACE BURRS WISDOM
Port St. Lucie
Summary
Purpose-driven and mission-centered leader with extensive experience advancing youth development, operational excellence, and organizational impact across large nonprofit systems. Skilled in leading multi-site operations, cultivating high-performing teams, strengthening compliance and safety culture, and designing scalable systems that support equitable outcomes for youth and families. Known for elevating program quality, securing major philanthropic investments, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing strategic initiatives for one of the largest Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in the nation.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Director of Club Operations
Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Provided senior leadership for the 5th largest Boys & Girls Clubs organization in the United States, supporting key initiatives across 20 Club sites and serving more than 13,000 youth annually. Directed operational systems, strengthened compliance and safety practices, improved program quality, and advanced organizational culture and community partnerships.
- Increased member engagement and strengthened youth retention by improving program quality, staff development, and operational consistency.
- Designed and implemented standardized safety and compliance processes that enhanced documentation accuracy and audit performance.
- Stabilized several Clubs using Collective Impact strategies that restored community trust and strengthened partnerships.
- Launched the Palm Beach Opera youth partnership, securing a $200,000 major gift and a four-year endowed commitment.
- Secured philanthropic support and major sponsorships through foundations, major donors, educational institutions, hospitals, and corporate partners.
- Coordinated food-access initiatives serving more than 13,000 youth annually.
- Strengthened Board engagement, accountability, and governance readiness.
- Built a leadership pipeline resulting in more than 50 internal promotions over two years.
Performer, Mainstage Productions
Palm Beach Opera
01.2009 - 01.2025
- Performed in major opera productions for 16 years.
- Collaborated with artistic directors, conductors, and performers in high-performance environments.
- Supported youth outreach and community engagement initiatives.
- Strengthened cultural partnerships that enhanced youth access to the arts.
Executive Club Director
Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Led operations for a flagship Club, enhancing program quality, staff capacity, daily operations, and youth outcomes.
- Improved program quality and engagement through coaching and leadership development.
- Strengthened compliance performance by reinforcing training and regulatory standards.
- Increased youth and teen participation through program expansion and partnerships.
- Elevated Club visibility through community engagement and donor relationships.
Senior Youth Development and Operations Leadership
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Held progressive roles including Teen Director, Program Director, Club Director, and Senior Operations Leader.
- Strengthened program delivery, engagement models, and daily operations to improve youth outcomes.
- Built partnerships with schools, municipalities, and agencies to expand services.
- Designed structured schedules and activity frameworks improving program flow and quality.
- Developed staff through coaching, mentoring, and accountability systems.
- Led efforts that improved safety compliance, family engagement, and community relationships.
Education
Organizational Management
Indian River State College
Performing Arts – Opera/Voice
Palm Beach Atlantic University
High School Diploma - undefined
Forest Hill Community High School
Skills
- Multi-Site Operational Leadership
- Executive Coaching and Talent Development
- Strategic Planning and Organizational Alignment
- Program Quality and Performance Systems
- Crisis Response and Regulatory Compliance
- Fundraising, Sponsorships, and Stewardship
- Collective Impact and Cross-Sector Collaboration
- Community, Corporate, and Educational Partnerships
- Culture Building and Staff Engagement
- Data-Guided Decision Making
Accomplishments
• Led operations for the 5th largest Boys & Girls Clubs organization in the nation, supporting key initiatives across 20 sites and serving more than 13,000 youth annually.
• Built a high-performing talent pipeline, resulting in 50+ internal promotions and multiple leaders advancing into executive roles.
• Secured significant philanthropic investments, including a $200,000 major gift and a four-year endowed partnership with Palm Beach Opera.
• Launched and expanded countywide arts programming by partnering with Palm Beach Opera and contracting professional artists to serve hundreds of youth.
• Stabilized multiple Clubs through strong operational leadership, improved safety and compliance systems, and strengthened community relationships.
• Coordinated food-access initiatives providing 13,000+ meals annually to youth facing hunger disparities.
Certification
• School-Age Appropriate Practices (SAP)
• CPR & First Aid Certified
• Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Trauma-Informed Care Certification
• Weikart Center Train-the-Trainer (Youth Program Quality)
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI)
Timeline
Regional Director of Club Operations
Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
01.2022 - 01.2025
Executive Club Director
Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
01.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Youth Development and Operations Leadership
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County
01.2012 - 01.2020
Performer, Mainstage Productions
Palm Beach Opera
01.2009 - 01.2025
Performing Arts – Opera/Voice
Palm Beach Atlantic University
High School Diploma - undefined
Forest Hill Community High School
Organizational Management
Indian River State College