Yvonne Cowser Yancy Joins Understood as Chief Human Resources Officer

Role also leads centralized services and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts

NEW YORK –⁠ May 4, 2020 –⁠ Understood, a social impact organization, announced today that Yvonne Cowser Yancy joined as chief human resources officer. In this new role, Yvonne will lead human resources and centralized services, including finance, legal, and administrative functions. She will also co-lead Understood’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, all in support of the organization’s mission to help people with differences and disabilities thrive. 

“Yvonne’s extensive background in human resources brings new skills and capabilities to our organization,” said Fred Poses, CEO of Understood. “Understood is committed to shaping the world for difference, and Yvonne’s expertise combined with a personal commitment to social change will amplify our efforts.”

With more than twenty years of human resources experience, Yvonne brings deep talent management and HR acumen to the organization. Prior to joining Understood, she founded YSquare Advisors, a boutique consultancy firm that equipped organizations with insight and resources to build, grow, and transform the human resources function. Prior to that, Yvonne was senior vice president and chief human resources officer at The Fresh Market. She also served as the commissioner of human resources for the City of Atlanta for seven years. 

“I’m thrilled to join a talented and innovative organization that's making a real impact in people’s lives," said Yvonne. "I’ve spent my career empowering dynamic organizations to manage change and growth, and I’m excited to join Understood as it advances its mission."

A native of Atlanta, Yvonne is involved in civic and charitable organizations such as the Atlanta Chapter of The Links, Inc., a volunteer service organization for women of color. She currently sits on the board of the Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, which supports the homeless community in Atlanta, and was a former member of WonderRoot and the SHRM-Atlanta Board of Directors. She also mentors other professionals seeking careers in human resources and is an active member of SHRM, a key partner of the Workplace Initiative by Understood. 

She holds a BA in economics from Northwestern University, an MBA in employee relations from Georgia State University, and is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta.

For more information and to learn more about our team, visit Understood's Media Center.

About Understood:

Understood is a social impact organization dedicated to Shaping the World for Difference™. Our four core programs (Families, Educators, Young Adults, and the Workplace Initiative by Understood) work together to create a world where everyone who learns and thinks differently feels supported at home, at school, and at work. We hope to shape a world where people with all types of disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy meaningful careers, and where all those who champion difference have the resources to become better allies and advocates. We provide impact at scale with direct access to online resources, experts, and supportive communities. Understood is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in New York City. For more information, or to become a partner, visit U.org/media or follow us on our social channels.