Carolyn Rhodes

Carolyn Rhodes, SHRM-SCP has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and roles. Starting in 2000, they worked as an Individual retirement specialist at Central Carolina Bank before transitioning to the role of Financial Sales Representative at SALOMON SMITH BARNEY. In these positions, they focused on providing financial advice, conducting seminars, and building client relationships.

Rhodes then joined The Volunteer Center of Durham as the Director of Operations, where they advised the leadership team, developed strategic initiatives, and monitored financial activities.

Carolyn later worked at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, first as a Human Resources Generalist, where they recruited law interns and led equity and inclusion initiatives, and then as a Program Manager and Relationship Manager, where they focused on voting rights, criminal justice reform, and grant writing.

In 2015, Rhodes became a Global Human Resources Specialist at Ipas, where they oversaw benefits and retirement communications and drove policy influence across multiple international offices.

From 2016 to 2018, they served as the Director of Human Resources at Provide, Inc., where they advised the Executive Team, coached managers, and played a key role in implementing a Racial Equity Road Map.

Rhodes then transitioned to roles at PPD, where they served as a Sr. Human Resources Advisor, Business Partner, and Sr. HR Advisor, HRBP, Clinical Operations, gaining experience in HR advising, talent management, and employee relations.

In 2022, they became a Senior Associate at moss+ross, providing consulting services to nonprofit organizations.

Currently, Rhodes is the Chief Operating Officer at the NC Rural Center, where they oversee operations and serves as a strategic leader.

Throughout their career, Rhodes has demonstrated expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion, policy design and implementation, training and development, and organizational assessments.

Carolyn Rhodes, SHRM-SCP, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from William Peace University, which they obtained in 2015. Prior to that, they attended Winston-Salem State University from 1990 to 1992, with a focus on Business/Managerial Economics. Apart from their formal education, Carolyn has also obtained additional certifications, including the SHRM - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) from SHRM in October 2022. Additionally, they have a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University, which they obtained in August 2006. Carolyn's educational background reflects their interest in psychology, business, and non-profit management.