Garrison Gibbons (He/They)

Garrison (he/they) currently works as the SVP of People and Admin at 21.co, a fin-tech unicorn that works to build bridges into the crypto world for its customers. There, Garrison oversees global HR strategy, talent, administration, and culture.

Prior to 21.co, Garrison served as the Head of People & Comms at Knotch, leading both functions through COVID-19 and the transition to remote-first work. Before Knotch, Garrison worked as the deputy to the Chief People Officer at Mic, ultimately leading them through transition to Bustle Digital Group post-acquisition. Garrison has also worked in the fitness industry - specializing in Brand & People - first at Barry's, before being brought on as hire #5 at Rumble.

Being brand and mission driven, Garrison has worked exclusively for companies who make a societal impact and uses this mentality to impact morale and culture internally and further brand perception and awareness externally. Garrison believes the future of HR includes acting as the connective tissue between the brand, the business, and the people.

Garrison is an expert in innovating and scaling practices, particularly in the startup and hyper-growth stage. Garrison's personal values are leading with empathy, practicing proactive transparency, and fostering an inclusive environment. Garrison is openly queer and works heavily in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging space.

Garrison has been named Crain's New York's 20 in Their 20's, Involve's HERoes 50 Executive Advocates 2020, Business Equity Magazine's 40 LGBTQ+ Executives Under 40, and was a finalist for the Digiday Worklife award for HR Leader of the Year for 2020. Garrison was recently awarded the National Diversity Council's LGBTQ+ Leadership Award for 2021. Garrison currently serves as a board member of Big Apple Performing Arts, home of the New York City Gay Men's Chorus and the Youth Pride Chorus.

Garrison lives in Harlem with their comedian husband, Jay Jurden, and their ten year old dog, Bindi.