Parsons Corporation Announces Leadership Transition in Human Resources

In a significant move to bolster its human resources leadership, Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) has announced the promotion of Soo Lagasse to Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective April 1, 2026. Lagasse will succeed Susan Balaguer, who has expressed her intent to retire following an impactful tenure of nearly five years.

Susan Balaguer has played a pivotal role in transforming Parsons’ human resources landscape since her appointment. Under her leadership, the company has seen remarkable improvements in employee experience and talent acquisition strategies, achieving record hiring and retention rates. Balaguer will remain with Parsons until the end of May to ensure a smooth transition for her successor.

Carey Smith, Parsons’ Chair, President, and CEO, praised Balaguer for her contributions: “Susan has transformed Parsons’ human resources enterprise over the last four and a half years and set it on a trajectory to ensure we truly exemplify our People First culture.” Smith highlighted Balaguer's efforts in aligning benefits programs and enhancing leadership development, which have been critical to Parsons’ growth.

Soo Lagasse, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition and Mobility, has been with Parsons since 2021. She brings over three decades of experience in the government contracting industry to her new role. Lagasse has been instrumental in overhauling Parsons’ global talent acquisition function, leading to record hiring quarters and expanding the company’s internship and university programs.

Lagasse expressed her enthusiasm for her new position: “I’m honored to be named chief human resources officer, and to continue to serve at Parsons alongside some of the finest human resources professionals in the industry.” She emphasized Parsons’ commitment to a People First culture and her dedication to prioritizing employee needs.

During her tenure, Balaguer achieved significant milestones, including the harmonization of benefits programs and the development of the company’s employee value proposition. Her strategic initiatives have positioned Parsons as a growth-focused organization, aligning human resources with broader business objectives. The successful implementation of talent acquisition strategies and a focus on employee experience have marked her tenure as a transformative period for the company.

As Soo Lagasse steps into her new role, the company anticipates continued momentum in its human resources initiatives. Lagasse's proven track record in transforming talent functions into strategic business partners will be vital as Parsons navigates its next phase of growth. Her leadership is expected to drive forward the company’s mission to enhance employee engagement and performance.

Parsons Corporation is a leading provider of disruptive technology solutions in the national security and global infrastructure markets, with a broad portfolio that includes cyber and electronic warfare, space and missile defense, transportation, water and environment, urban development, and critical infrastructure protection. For more information about Parsons and its impact, visit Parsons.com and follow the company on LinkedIn.

This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for Parsons as it continues to evolve in a competitive landscape, emphasizing its commitment to a People First culture while aligning its human resources strategy with overarching business goals.