As practice director of McKinley Advisors’ Research & Insights team, Candace Vanderpoel brings over a decade of experience in leading data-driven consulting for associations and nonprofits. She specializes in transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making, enhance member value and promote organizational growth.
Candace leads the strategic development and continuous evolution of McKinley’s research practice, overseeing survey design, mixed-method research, benchmarking studies and advanced data analysis. She regularly partners with association leadership to develop research agendas that align with long-term goals and member expectations. Her work blends technical expertise with a consultative mindset, equipping clients with clarity, confidence and actionable roadmaps.
Candace has led research for a wide array of associations, including high-impact projects with the Association Forum, the American Physical Therapy Association and the Society of Women Engineers. She served as lead researcher for the Association Forum’s Welcoming Environment® Research Study, a landmark initiative examining diversity, equity and inclusion in the association industry.
Her long-term engagements have included multi-year studies on member needs, salary and workforce trends, and degree and enrollment data. These engagements not only help associations understand how their members evolve and how to stay relevant, but also support the creation of external-facing deliverables, such as reports that can be monetized or used to equip members with a clearer understanding of their standing within the broader industry landscape.
A trusted mentor and people-first leader, Candace cultivates a high-performing research team and contributes to firmwide talent development, service innovation, and cross-practice collaboration. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from American University, with a focus on personality, social psychology, and diversity studies. This expertise informs her inclusive approach to research design.
Originally from South Africa, Candace brings a global and culturally attuned perspective to her work. Outside of McKinley, she enjoys discovering new cuisines, traveling, and escaping into great fiction (or guilty-pleasure reality TV).
Read Candace's latest posts on the McKinley Insights Blog
Low Response Rates: What They Mean and How to Improve Them
Developing a Research Agenda
Why Research is Essential for Strategic Planning in Associations
