Key hire to drive talent strategy as part of NED’s institution-wide transformation.
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 30, 2025 – The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) announces the appointment of Charles “Chuck” T. Cisney, PHR, as Chief Talent Officer, effective immediately.
With more than two decades of human resources leadership, Cisney joins NED at a pivotal moment in its institutional transformation. His role will be central to building a world-class corps of democracy experts—advancing a bold talent strategy to increase operational efficiency, strengthen accountability, and ensure NED delivers maximum impact for frontline democracy defenders in over 90 countries.
“Chuck brings exactly the leadership we need to help build a results-oriented, high-performing workforce at NED,” said Sheila Crowley, NED’s Chief Operating Officer. “His proven track record of strengthening teams and driving operational excellence across complex organizations will help ensure NED delivers on its mission with speed, efficiency, and measurable impact.”
In his new role, Cisney will lead NED’s talent strategy as the institution builds an agile workforce capable of meeting the demands of global democracy support. He will oversee all aspects of advancing the talent strategy, including workforce planning, leadership development, labor relations, and people operations for NED’s mission-driven team.
Cisney joins NED from the International Republican Institute (IRI), where he served as Senior Director of Global Human Resources & Administration since 2017. At IRI, he led a global HR function supporting more than 850 staff across 30+ countries and delivered comprehensive support across functions supporting people and culture, recruitment, talent management, HR systems, and compliance.
“I’m honored to join NED at such a consequential moment for democracy,” said Cisney. “Having spent my career building people-centered, mission-driven organizations, I’m excited to help NED attract, develop, and empower the talent needed to advance freedom and human dignity around the world.”
Prior to IRI, Cisney held senior HR leadership positions at Pact, Inc., Abt Associates, and Chemonics International, and served as an Adjunct Faculty at Georgetown University’s Human Resources Master’s Program.
Cisney holds a Master of Science in Adult Education with Human Resource Development specialization and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, from Florida State University. He earned an Advanced Certificate in Strategic HR Management from Cornell University and holds Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management.
Media inquiries: Press@ned.org
