As vice president of People and Culture, Diane Samuels leads the organization’s efforts to cultivate a fair and fulfilling workplace. With a commitment to advancing people and culture, Diane brings her knowledge and expertise to every step of the employee experience - strategy development, recruitment of new talent, people and organizational development and employee benefits and compensation. Diane has been at the forefront of driving staff diversity, building equity, and advocating for inclusive organizational practices at the foundation. She plays an integral role in holding the organization accountable to our social justice mission by ensuring that our own policies, practices, and values reflect the just world we strive to create.
Diane immigrated to the US from Jamaica in 2000. She brings over 20 years of experience in the philanthropic, for-profit, and government sectors. Prior to joining Ford, Diane served as managing director of operations at the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery. In that capacity, she oversaw human resources, strategic planning, and operational management for facilities and Information Technology. Diane also held positions in human resource management at the Rockefeller Foundation for 13 years. While at Rockefeller, she established the strategic framework for the organization’s first global diversity and inclusion program. Diane began her career in human resources working for Jamaica Broilers, one of the country’s largest employers.
Diane holds a master’s degree in human resources management from the New School and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Brooklyn College.
