After completing 16 years of active duty service in the United States Marine Corps in December 2001, Joe Gilkerson put his leadership experience to work in the field of human resources.
His first civilian position, with the Department of the Navy, placed him at the center of personnel transitions, managing sailor transfers, supervising administrative support functions and serving as the primary contact for pay and allowance inquiries across local, national and international assignments.
Gilkerson then broadened his experience in the private sector, holding HR leadership positions at Rosalind Franklin University and Lewis Paper International Inc., where he oversaw benefits administration, workers’ compensation, investigations, FMLA processes, and safety and risk management programs.
Gilkerson found corporate HR rewarding, but he felt a deeper calling.
“I enjoyed the work,” says Gilkerson, who currently serves as director of human resources with the City of Charlottesville, Va. “But something was missing.”
Moving into the public sector soon provided that missing piece: “the ability to serve the citizens and make a positive impact on the community I work in,” he says.
Gilkerson left Lewis Paper International in July 2007, to take a role as county human resources administrator with Stafford County Government in Stafford, Va.
Gilkerson departed from Stafford County in April 2012 to take over as manager of human resources and employee development with the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative in Fredericksburg, Va., leading the HR staff for the member-owned utility, which provides electric service to more than 18,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties.
He also served as the director of human resources with Prince William County, Va. before settling into his current role with the City of Charlottesville in April 2025.
A member of PSHRA since 2007, he values the organization for its focus on public sector HR excellence and the network of peers it provides.
“I wanted to be a part of an organization that focused on HR in the public sector and create a network that I could contribute to and use as a resource,” he says.
Gilkerson also serves as an adjunct professor at several universities, teaching courses in HR information systems, analytics, high‑performance organizational strategy and strategic HR leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in organizational leadership, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in public administration from Liberty University.
Formerly the president of PSHRA’s Virginia chapter, and currently a member of the organization’s South Advisory Committee, Gilkerson remains dedicated to ongoing learning and professional engagement.
“The certifications, certificates and educational programs have given me the resources and tools to make good decisions and stay abreast of HR trends and other valuable information.”
Ultimately, he says, “the true reward lies in service—strengthening organizations, supporting employees and making a positive impact on the community I proudly serve.”
13 October 2026
Category
Stories of Impact
