Candace Coates

About Candace Coates

Mission-driven executive with 20+ years of experience leading strategic initiatives across health care, housing, and human services. Known for driving operational excellence, stabilizing teams through change, and building systems that align people, programs, and policy.As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and doctoral candidate in social welfare, I bring a deep understanding of community needs and a sharp eye for process improvement. I’ve led high-performing interdisciplinary teams, supported organizations through complex audits, recertifications, and restructures, and provided strategic guidance across multiple departments. My leadership style is calm, collaborative, and focused on clarity. I value building strong partnerships, mentoring new leaders, and redesigning workflows to improve outcomes.I’m especially passionate about advancing equity, elevating underrepresented voices, and translating data into strategy. Skilled in policy analysis, strategic planning, and grant management, with a strong foundation in Lean methods and continuous quality improvement.

Experience

1. Board Member

   Urban Learning Collaborative

   Dec 2025 — Present

Education

• Loyola University Chicago

  Masters, Social Work

  2006 — 2008

• Vincent High School

  Diploma, Health & Human Services

  1995 — 1999

• University of Wisconsin-Platteville

  MSE, Adult Education

  2011 — 2015

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Social Welfare

• Marquette University

  Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Law Studies

  1999 — 2003

Skills

• Treatment
• Social Services
• Case Managment
• Outlook
• Research
• Case Management
• Adolescents
• Non-Profits
• Microsoft Word
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Psychotherapy
• Community Outreach
• Teaching
• Public Speaking
• Crisis Intervention
• Staff Development
• Nonprofits
• Program Development
• Coaching
• Microsoft Office
• Mental Health
• Family Therapy
• Customer Service
• Group Therapy