Her Story
About Kiki
Kiki Walton is an organizational development, human resources, and operations professional with nearly 20 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their people, processes, and culture across military, nonprofit, government, and association environments. Throughout her career, she has learned that some of the greatest leadership lessons come from the people she works with, the challenges she faces, and the experiences that shape her as a leader.
She currently serves as Operations Manager for the South Carolina Association of CPAs, where she focuses on improving operational effectiveness, developing project management systems, and supporting collaboration across the organization. Prior to joining SC.CPA, she spent more than 12 years with the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, progressing from Administrative Assistant to Director of Organizational Development and Operations. Her leadership journey began during seven years of service in the United States Air Force, where she discovered her passion for helping people and organizations thrive.
Walton believes leadership is not defined by titles, but by the work we do and the impact we have on others. Her leadership philosophy has been shaped by the leaders who invested in her growth, the experiences that challenged her, and the personal experiences that strengthened her resilience and perspective. She believes leadership is about building trust, helping others grow, and leaving people better than you found them.
Walton earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Columbia College and is completing a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Baker College, with degree conferral expected in August 2026. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in Human Resources and Project Management from Baker College. She is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), completed Korn Ferry's Leadership U for Humanity program, and is an active member of both the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).
Outside of work, Walton enjoys spending time with family, reading, traveling, and exploring historic castles. She values lifelong learning and enjoys helping organizations create workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kiki
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people and experiences that have shaped my leadership. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from the people who invested in my growth and the experiences that challenged me. Those lessons, combined with personal resilience and a commitment to continuous learning, have shaped not only how I lead but also how I define success. To me, success is not measured by titles or accomplishments. It is measured by the positive impact we have on others and whether we leave people better than we found them.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from a mentor who taught me that a title doesn't define who I am. It's the work I do and the trust I build with others that truly matter. That conversation changed my perspective. I realized leadership isn't about a position or title. It's about how you show up, how you treat people, and the impact you have on those around you. I've carried that lesson with me throughout my career, and it continues to influence the way I lead.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Use your voice. Don't be afraid to stretch, grow, or ask questions. Too often, young women feel pressure to stay quiet or worry that asking questions will be seen as challenging leadership. Speak up. Build a network of people you trust, people who will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is the fear that artificial intelligence will replace people. I believe AI is an incredible tool that can improve efficiency and support better decision-making, but it can never replace the personal connections, trust, empathy, and relationships that are at the heart of effective leadership. The opportunity is learning how to embrace innovation while ensuring we never lose the human element that helps people and organizations thrive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, compassion, courage, and consistency guide both my professional and personal life. These values shape how I make decisions, how I treat people, and how I lead. I believe people deserve leaders whose actions reflect their values and who create environments where people can succeed.
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