The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Soo Lagasse, senior vice president of global talent acquisition at Parsons Corp., and finalist in the HR Executive of the Year, Public Companies, category. Here, she talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
This year continued to be transformational for both our company and the Human Resources function as we grew to nearly 19,000 employees in 26 countries around the world, and all 50 US states and Puerto Rico. Our continued growth was facilitated by several new initiatives that we implemented this year, resulting in milestones like:
- Grew Parsons intern program 40% in the last 2 years. 90% improvement in conversions of interns to full-time employees.
- Hiring increased 30% year over year, contributing to organic business growth.
- Redesigned the internal mobility program to include redeployment of employees on contracts coming to close. Efforts resulted in a 65% increase in redeployed/ reassigned employees, increasing overall retention.
- Growth in Veteran outreach program with specific emphasis on increase Skillbridge participation year of year.
- Stood up a strategic staffing center that focuses on critical skills, proposal and pre-award support and surge hiring needs, in addition to programmatic recruiting capabilities.
- The purpose of this initiative is to ensure we’re further aligning our function to the P&L pipeline and using the full power of HR as a force multiplier for business growth.
- In last year’s annual employee engagement survey, Talent Acquisition team received one of the highest engagement scores across the organization.
- This achievement is indicative of the strong culture and “Imagine Next” ethos that our company embodies every day.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Our primary focus areas going forward are centered around several key initiatives that are crucial to our mission:
- Data-Driven Decision Making: We consistently use data and metrics aligned with our business goals and objectives to tell our story and measure effectiveness. This practice ensures that our strategies are evidence-based and results-oriented, driving continuous improvement and accountability.
- Global Team Collaboration: Leading a global team that collaborates cross-functionally and cross-culturally is essential. This approach fosters innovation, leverages diverse perspectives, and enhances our ability to address complex challenges in a cohesive manner.
- Market Opportunities and Innovation: We are committed to evaluating market opportunities to partner with vendors and utilize new technologies. This focus on innovation within the HR organization allows us to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously improve our processes and services.
- Mergers & Acquisitions and EBRG Executive Sponsorship: Our expanded role now includes support for Mergers & Acquisitions and Executive Sponsorship of Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs). These areas are vital for integrating new entities seamlessly and promoting a culture of inclusivity and support within the organization.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Emphasizing and championing DEI efforts is a cornerstone of our mission. By fostering an inclusive environment, we ensure that all employees feel valued and empowered, which is critical for driving engagement, innovation, and overall organizational success.
These focus areas are integral to our mission as they enable us to build a resilient, innovative, and inclusive organization that can adapt to changing market dynamics and continue to thrive.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Some of the hardest problems, challenging assignments or difficult customers will be the situations that help you to develop your most innovative solutions and thrust you forward in your career.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
Unhealthy obsession with any types of puzzles; jigsaw, word and number puzzles.