As Jackson Spalding’s Human Resources Director, Rita is in charge of talent acquisition, development and retention for our three offices.  She’s ideally suited for the role after a career that has included marketing, consulting, and labor law for large companies and public sector organizations. Her legal and team-building skills are a benefit not only to our firm, but also to our issues management clients who need HR counsel.
 
Rita joined us after almost three years as Senior Vice President for Talent Acquisition, Diversity and HR Compliance at SunTrust Banks, Inc. Previously she was Manager of HR Compliance & Diversity at General Electric Healthcare, working across North America and Europe.  Earlier, she was the Diversity Officer for the City of Alexandria, Va., and an attorney with White & Case in Mexico City and Miami, Fla.  Her management consulting clients included the U.S. Mint, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention and the U.S. Veterans Administration.
 
Born in Cuba, Rita’s family immigrated to Venezuela and later to Miami where she completed high school.  She earned her B.S. in Business & Political Sciences from Barry University and her law degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center.  She furthered her credentials with Certificates of Organizational Development and Human Capital Strategy from Georgetown University and the Human Capital Institute, respectively.
 
An adjunct professor at Kennesaw State University, Rita teaches “Gender & the Workplace,” a course that explores the legal, social and psychological aspects of the subject.  She also serves on the board of The Alliance Theater and as a Round Table Member of the Professional Women Alliance.
 
Rita is a self-described gypsy at heart who has traveled extensively with her family.  She counts China and Peru among her most memorable trips. When she isn’t exploring the world, you can find her exploring food, books or the latest developments in her garden.