Cecily Peeples Rodriguez

Cecily Peeples Rodriguez currently serves as the Associate Director for Research and Organizational Innovation at the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance. With a strong foundation in applied research, her work centers on leadership and management within public services, tackling essential issues such as organizational development, language access, migration and resettlement, cultural competence, and organizational equity and inclusion.

In addition to her role at the Institute, Cecily is an affiliate faculty member in the School of Public and International Affairs, where she currently teaches certificate courses on volunteer management, further extending her impact on the field.

Prior to her current position, Cecily held several notable leadership roles, including Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and Manager of Applied Research at the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. Her leadership experience also includes serving as the Director of Refugee Health Services at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, where she managed programs with budgets exceeding $30 million and spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing health coverage for refugees and immigrants across various states.

Throughout her career, Cecily has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to workforce development and health equity. At the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health, she created training curricula and provided statewide technical support to numerous community services boards and private behavioral health providers. Her initiatives to bridge disparities in behavioral health and advocate for culturally and linguistically appropriate services have established her as a recognized subject matter expert and a respected leader in the field.

She earned a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. Additionally, she is a Certified Diversity Executive and possesses credentials to administer the Intercultural Development Inventory and the Kirton Innovation Adaption Inventory. An active contributor to various community boards and initiatives, Cecily has also engaged as an evaluator and member of multiple professional committees.

Cecily's extensive experience presenting at national and state conferences highlights her standing as a thought leader in her domain. Her ongoing work continues to advance access, equity, and excellence in public services for diverse populations.