Candace Jennings, PhD

Candace Jennings began supporting people with developmental disabilities as a direct care specialist in 1996. After earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Southwest Texas State University, she gained professional experience serving the San Antonio community for 12 years. She has earned a Master of Public Administration degree and a PhD in Applied Demography from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jennings served as Deputy Independent Ombudsman from the establishment of the office in 2010 and was appointed by Gov. Abbott to lead the OIO as Independent Ombudsman in June 2021.