Candace Singh

Dr. Candy Singh is a nationally recognized education leader, executive coach, and leadership development facilitator with more than 35 years of experience across K–12 and higher education, including over a decade as a California public school district superintendent. Throughout her career, she has been known for leading courageous system-wide change, strengthening leadership capacity, and cultivating organizational cultures grounded in trust, clarity of purpose, and a deep belief in the potential of students and adults.

In addition to her K–12 leadership, Dr. Singh has had a significant impact in higher education, serving as a Professor of Organizational Leadership and as a doctoral research chair, where she has taught and mentored graduate students and school leaders for over 20 years. She has guided countless educators through advanced leadership preparation, research, and dissertation work—many of whom have gone on to serve successfully in school and district leadership roles. Her higher education work is grounded in bridging theory and practice and preparing leaders for the real-world complexity of educational leadership.

Following her superintendency, Dr. Singh has worked nationally with superintendents, district leadership teams, and aspiring leaders, with a particular emphasis on developing and advancing women leaders at pivotal points in their leadership journey. Her work focuses on mentorship, reflective practice, and the creation of trusted professional networks that strengthen the superintendent pipeline and prepare women not only to pursue the role, but to lead with confidence, sustain themselves in the role, and serve successfully over time.

Dr. Singh has served on the AASA Executive Committee and developed the original Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Women, laying the foundation for a national leadership experience designed to support women pursuing and entering the superintendency. The Academy is now expanding with a focus on California and western states, extending its reach and impact while remaining rooted in its original purpose of intentional mentorship, preparation, and sustained support.

She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and is the recipient of the Association of California School Administrators Exemplary Woman in Education Award. She was also recognized as an AASA National Women in School Leadership Award finalist, reflecting her sustained national impact and commitment to advancing women in educational leadership.