Candace is NatureServe’s Director of Major Gifts. With a decade of experience and a deep passion for conservation, Candace has successfully led fundraising initiatives, cultivated donor relationships, and driven philanthropic growth throughout her career. Prior to NatureServe, she held leadership roles at Houston Parks Board and the Boy Scouts of America, where she oversaw donor engagement, individual giving, and large-scale fundraising events.
She has a proven track record of aligning organizational goals with donor passions, creating lasting relationships that foster both financial and mission-driven success. Her leadership in the field has not only helped organizations meet ambitious fundraising goals but has also contributed to the protection and improvement of parks and greenspaces.
Outside of work, Candace enjoys spending quality time with her husband, two young children, and their senior dogs. A passionate traveler, she loves exploring new destinations and sharing the joys of the natural world with her kids. Whether wake surfing, disc golfing, or soaking up the sun on the beach, the outdoors has always been an important part of her life, making her role at NatureServe a perfect match for both her professional and personal interests. Candace is based in Kingwood, TX.