Richelle Gibson

Richelle Gibson is a dynamic, results-oriented leader with more than 16 years of experience at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where she has driven transformative initiatives in organizational change, data governance, innovative technology solutions, and strategic program integration.

As Deputy Director of the newly formed Office of Strategic Initiatives, she leads the execution of the Department’s highest-impact priorities including enterprisewide efforts to modernize legacy systems, improve cross-agency programs, and deliver meaningful outcomes for Veterans. Richelle delivers mission-critical initiatives with rigor and results through disciplined program supervision and management, specialized expertise and strong governance.

A few of her notable achievements include founding the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Data Governance Council, elevating data as a strategic enterprise asset and enhancing data integrity and quality organization wide and advancing the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program
advocating for seamless integration across systems and business processes. Richelle excels at managing complex portfolios, leading cross-functional teams, and providing expert counsel to senior executives on technology, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture strategies.

Before her federal service, Richelle served in the United States Army, where she held multiple leadership positions and mentored emerging military leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lambuth University and a Master of Science in Information Systems (with a Cybersecurity specialty) from the University of Colorado Denver. Richelle is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), Prosci Change Practitioner, and Disciplined Agile Scrum Master.

Her expertise spans project execution, human capital management, acquisitions, operational excellence, and data management. Passionate about fostering innovation, enhancing Veteran services, and developing future leaders, Richelle remains committed to advancing mission-critical solutions that directly support those who have served.