Debbie Rhodes
Vice President of Human Resources, CGI Federal
Debbie Rhodes’ experience spans more than 20 years with CGI, and her role now allows her to champion change that supports employees and creates a culture of ownership, transparency and advancement.
While advancing many critical strategic imperatives, Rhodes led HR integration strategy for three mergers in recent years, ensuring the effective cultural transition and retention of those members — CGI’s preferred way to refer to employees — into CGI Federal’s existing member base. Rhodes has also led her team in recruiting and retention efforts as the organization faced labor market challenges exacerbated by the Great Resignation and COVID-19.
CGI has made significant investments in mental wellbeing, including the launch of a mental health first aiders certification program for members, a training program that provides tools to support individuals facing or at risk of experiencing a mental health crisis. This program was launched in partnership with CGI’s global Oxygen team, which is dedicated to individual and organizational wellbeing.
“People are at the heart of CGI’s culture, and their well-being is a high priority for everything we do,” Rhodes said. “It’s important for our existing members to feel connected, but also to create a positive experience for every new member joining the team.”
Why Watch
In 2023, Rhodes’ focus will be on continuing to expand the overall member experience, members’ career growth and development at all levels through expansion of the Career Advocate Program and Talent Rotation. Her team is also focusing on advancing member engagement initiatives in partnership with the Strategic Engagement and Inclusion team, and on instilling a culture where leaders and early-career professionals engage in different forums to ensure the company attracts and retains multigenerational talent.