Diane Headley is the Chief People Office (CPO) at the Ford Foundation, the $16B global philanthropic foundation based in New York. She is a strategic and innovative HR executive dedicated to translating organizational vision into impactful HR initiatives prioritizing employee engagement and positive outcomes. As an empowering leader, she partners with and advises top leadership, recognizing that people and relationships are fundamental to organizational success. As the Ford Foundation’s VP and Chief People Officer, Diane cultivates a fair and fulfilling workplace, bringing passion and expertise to all aspects of the employee experience, from strategic planning and talent recruitment to organizational development and compensation.

Diane’s leadership journey began in Jamaica, where she grew up before migrating to the U.S. in 2000. With over 25 years of experience across the philanthropic, for-profit, and government sectors, she previously served as managing director of Operations at the NY Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery. She pioneered the first global diversity and inclusion program at the Rockefeller Foundation. Her career began at Jamaica Broilers, one of the Caribbean’s largest employers.

A devoted mother to a talented basketball player, Diane also enjoys tennis, track and field, and dance. Her commitment to family, health, and fitness complements her professional dedication. Diane thrives on connecting with people, embracing diversity, and continually seeking growth and learning. She holds a master’s in human resources management from The New School and a bachelor’s in psychology from Brooklyn College. Under Diane’s leadership, the Ford Foundation’s workplace is a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.