Gwendolyn Gilreath-Fou: Leading with Integrity and Purpose

Coming from a small tropical island in the South Pacific, Gwendolyn Gilreath-Fou couldn’t have imagined that her career would take her to the City of Trotwood, Ohio.

And if not for one manager’s intervention, she might not have found herself serving as a human resources generalist with the city just outside of Dayton.

“My career in public sector HR began when my Deputy City Manager/HR Manager saw potential in me and gave me an opportunity that changed my life,” says Gilreath-Fou, a native of American Samoa. Gilreath-Fou and her family relocated to Ohio in 2017, to facilitate her father’s medical treatment. He unfortunately passed away in 2025.

Gilreath-Fou first joined the City of Trotwood as a planning and development administrative assistant in May 2019. Two years later, she transitioned into a new role as an assistant to the City’s economic development executive director.

“In 2022, my manager approached me with an opportunity to assist in the HR department, and I accepted the role. I truly believe that HR is my true calling,” says Gilreath-Fou, who holds a Doctorate of Philosophy, in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University. “I never imagined where that opportunity might lead.”

Gilreath-Fou is now “a proud PSHRA-Certified professional, serving in local government. I am dedicated to attracting individuals who support the city’s mission and helping the people who make a difference in our organization and community,” she says.

Gilreath-Fou has served in her current HR generalist role since January 2025. Along with another HR generalist, she manages the HR department’s daily operations, covering recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, compliance and employee relations. Gilreath-Fou also handles personnel matters for several city departments, and acts as the City’s benefit administrator.

She joined PSHRA as a member in October of that year, just months after settling into her position as HR generalist.

“As a public servant and HR professional, I am committed to leading with integrity, transparency, consistency and purpose, making a lasting impact on the employees and the community I serve,” says Gilreath-Fou, who earned a master’s of public administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.

She saw PSHRA membership as a key step toward becoming the type of leader she envisioned herself becoming.

“I joined PSHRA with the intention of advancing my career in public sector human resources. This association provides networking opportunities and resources that focus on unique challenges and advancements within Public Sector HR making it an ideal environment for professional growth and learning” says Gilreath-Fou, who also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice with a minor in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from American Samoa Community College.

“Joining PSHRA has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my professional growth. Even though I’ve only been a member of PSHRA for a short time, I’ve learned so much already. The webinars, educational resources and opportunities to connect with other public sector HR professionals have been extremely helpful.”