Tell us a little bit about your career journey before joining RGP.
Like RGP, my business has always been people. I began my career as an attorney at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where I specialized in labor and employment matters and litigated a broad range of employment-related and complex actions. While at the firm, I had the opportunity to advise RGP, and eventually made the move to become RGP’s in-house global employment attorney in 2018. I held this role until taking on my current position at RGP in August 2020.
Education
I received my J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center, and hold a B.A. in History, summa cum laude, from Oklahoma State University.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who persevere through adversity and lead with integrity in the face of pressure to do the opposite.
What is a goal you have your eyes set on?
My greatest goal is to raise my four children to be lights in dark places and overflow with love and generosity for others.
What does success in your role look like?
Empowering a legal team of indispensable business partners that exemplify RGP values.
What was your best day at work at RGP?
There have been so many great days at RGP, but my first global management meeting (Nashville 2018) is certainly a highlight. We focused on important matters to push the company forward and made deeper connections with each other. It was wonderful to be able to spend meaningful time with my colleagues from all over the world.
What accomplishment makes you most proud since joining RGP?
I’m most proud that I gained the confidence of the executive team and said “yes” to becoming the general counsel (now Chief Legal Officer) of RGP. I was on maternity leave when our CEO Kate Duchene approached me about the appointment, having just delivered my third baby. In the newborn fog, I began to doubt I could balance being the mom I wanted to be while pursuing the career I was determined to have. But with great support from the executive team and my family, I realized I could. Looking back, I’m proud to have pushed through the uncertainty of the moment to embrace this opportunity.
At RGP we bring a human-first approach. What does that mean to you?
We aim to harness the power of humans to transform and innovate. We cultivate leadership and diverse perspectives throughout the organization to drive meaningful change and results—both internally and within projects for our clients.
And personally, it is a constant reminder of the value and dignity of each person and a mandate to treat each person with respect in all interactions.
How do the RGP values (Loyalty, Integrity, Focus, Enthusiasm, Accountability and Talent) shape how you approach your role?
Our values are not merely lip service—they are our DNA as RGPers. Each of these values are critical to how we interact with each other and show up for our clients.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Spending time with my family and friends, studying theology and eating good food. The best times involve all three!
Name three words that describe you.
Passionate, Determined, Believer
Do you have any skills or secret talents that most people don’t know about?
In undergrad, I was the captain of the women’s division I tennis team and named OSU Female Student-Athlete of the Year. After a many year hiatus, I recently started playing tennis again. No surprise my current skills and abilities are not nearly at the same level, but tennis is just as fun as it was when I was 18!
What charities or social causes are you passionate about?
One of my favorite non-profit organizations is International Justice Mission, an organization that fights human trafficking all over the world. I was inspired to support them through reading about the people they have freed, the lives they have changed and the real difference they are making globally.
I’m also passionate about financially supporting a community of children, many of which are orphans, in Eswatini. I’ve been supporting this community since I was in law school and have had the real honor of watching many of the children grow up and become adults. Our support helps provide daily meals, a safe place where the youth can come and play, supplies needed for them to go to school, as well as other necessities. I had the opportunity to visit the community twice. The first time in 2009 and again with my husband in 2013. In 2009, we built a playground for the children, so they had somewhere to play and be kids—something that isn’t always possible in their homes. Then, in 2013, we had the opportunity to serve in an HIV-focused health clinic and further get to know the kids and community. I look forward to taking my daughters when they are a bit older to meet these amazing children.
