Deon Gates is a seasoned human resources (HR) and technology executive with more than two decades of progressive leadership experience spanning all HR functions and enterprise technology. With a career grounded in both human resources strategy and software development, Deon is known for building high-performing teams, implementing systems, and designing people-centric programs that elevate organizational performance and employee experience. She has been successful at creating innovative solutions to attract and develop future talent. Her experience implementing unconventional approaches, such as engaging high school students in technical career pathways and supporting early-interest, have delivered successful recruitment outcomes.
Today, Deon serves as Canopy Children’s Solutions’ (Canopy) Chief People Officer. In her previous role as Senior Director of Human Resources at Canopy, she was responsible for leading the organization’s Human Resources Operations. She directs the day-to-day operations of the Talent Acquisition, Compliance, Culture and Engagement and Employee Relations teams; also adding the Learning & Development team in her new role. During her tenure at Canopy, she and her teams have successfully implemented improvements in talent acquisition and improved employee onboarding and critical compliance processes. She has worked to improve cross-functional collaboration and enhance the employee experience by ensuring responsiveness and consistency while ensuring the HR function is aligned to meet the needs of each solution, department and Canopy’s mission.
Prior to this role, she served as Chief People Officer at C Spire. In her role as Chief People Officer, she oversaw all Human Resources functions including recruiting, payroll, benefits, HR Systems, employee relations, training, and engagement, ensuring alignment with organizational mission, values, and strategic priorities.
Before this role, she held progressive HR leadership positions including Senior Manager of Total Rewards, Manager of HRIS, and Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition where she improved hiring outcomes, reduced time-to-fill and strengthened HR technology.
Earlier in her career, she advanced through technical roles in software development at Hancock Whitney and other organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Deon lives in Brandon with her husband Keith Gates and their son Keith “Deuce” Gates. She is a member of True Vine Baptist church in Brandon, MS, where she serves in various ministries. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
