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Cynthia Burns
Chief Operating Officer at Shift
Cynthia Burns is the Chief Operating Officer at Shift Project, a leading center of expertise on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.12 In her role as COO, Cynthia is responsible for managing the execution of Shift's strategic plan and overseeing the organization's people, financial, and operational activities.1
Professional Background
Cynthia brings two decades of nonprofit operations management experience to her position at Shift.1 Prior to joining the organization, she spent 17 years at Human Rights First, an advocacy organization, where she most recently held the position of Vice President of Operations.13
Responsibilities at Shift
As COO, Cynthia's key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing organizational systems, policies, and processes
- Ensuring Shift can deliver on its mission and capitalize on growth opportunities
- Overseeing the annual budgeting process
- Ensuring legal and 501(c)(3) compliance
Education
Cynthia holds a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on human rights, as well as Energy and Environmental Policy Studies from Hunter College, where she graduated summa cum laude.1 She has also undertaken graduate studies in Public Administration at the University of New Hampshire.1
Additional Information
Cynthia Burns is part of Shift's leadership team, contributing to the organization's mission of challenging assumptions, pushing boundaries, and redefining corporate practice to build a world where business is conducted with respect for human dignity.2
