Deborah Harrison champions a people‑first vision grounded in equity, dignity, and opportunity. She partners closely with the executive team to strengthen a thriving, inclusive workforce that advances IREX’s mission to cultivate global leaders, support continuous learning, and build resilient communities worldwide. Deborah leads IREX’s global HR strategy across talent management, total rewards, HR technology, and employee relations.

With more than two decades of HR leadership experience spanning international development, nonprofit, healthcare, and the arts, Deborah brings a deep belief in the power of people to drive lasting change. She has modernized compensation practices, elevated global policies, and established scalable systems that empower teams across continents to excel and create meaningful impact. Before joining IREX, she held senior HR roles at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, GW Medical Faculty Associates, CohnReznick, and Laureate Education—leading initiatives that strengthened organizational health, leadership capacity, and employee engagement.

Deborah holds an Employment Law Certificate from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management (Cum Laude) from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She is also a dedicated community volunteer committed to advancing food security and human connection.