Chief Human Resources Officer Leigh Roop Retires After Three Decades of Service

Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Leigh Roop has dedicated her professional life to helping Exchange associates make the most of their careers.

Now, with nearly 32 years of dedicated service, her Exchange career is coming to a close.

“Leigh’s efforts to recruit and develop talent have helped the Exchange build a worldwide team that is personally invested in serving those who serve,” said Director/CEO Tom Shull. “No matter the circumstance, Exchange associates are there for Warfighters and their families. Leigh has been instrumental in cultivating this culture over the past three decades.”

For Roop, such efforts have simply been a way of giving back to the organization that has given her so much.

“The Exchange truly believes in helping people grow,” she said. “This organization has given me opportunities and developed me professionally for almost 32 years. In return, I have introduced a variety of HR programs and learning opportunities to help others grow in the organization. I want to touch people’s lives in the same way my life has been touched by the Exchange.”

Roop has guided the Exchange across many new frontiers in recent years, including the introduction of an internship program for U.S. Military Academy cadets; the Veterans Retail Management Training (VRMT) program; an automated associate recognition system; a modernized, technology-driven HR support system and associate experience for host national associates; and a new hourly performance management system, the first overhaul of the program in 25 years.

Her advice for the next crop of Exchange leaders? Maintain relationships with informal coaches and mentors; don’t be afraid to ask for help; and make the best of the role you are in.

“Every job is an opportunity to learn and grow,” she said. “Be flexible and adaptable. You’d be surprised how much you could learn from a job that you would least expect to find rewarding.”

Roop will retire from the Exchange in September. Patrick Oldenburgh, who served as Vice President of Human Resources, Operations Division, will assume the role of Chief Human Resources Officer.

“Programs and processes are certainly necessary, but what’s truly important is the people behind them,” Roop said. “Whether you serve 20 years, 30 years, or 40 years, you’re not really going to be remembered for a program that you developed and introduced; you’re going to be remembered by the people whose lives you’ve touched and mentored, and what you’ve done to build the bench for the organization. I think that’s the true legacy leaders leave.”