With a masterful blend of international HR expertise and financial acumen, Deborah E. McGee, CPA, has established a distinguished career in international human resources. As the founder, president, and chief executive officer of PZI Group since 2013, she has grown her company into a full-service international human resources firm specializing in financial planning, executive compensation, talent management, succession planning, change management, leadership development, performance management, and total rewards.
Through PZI Group, Ms. McGee has helped businesses navigate the complexities of global workforce strategies while ensuring compliance with international regulations. Her company also integrates interpersonal communication training through the Insights Discovery system. Prior to this position, she gained extensive experience in global human resources. Ms. McGee served as the global director of global mobility and international human resources at Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment from 2008 to 2013, where she managed worldwide talent relocation and provided human resources support in international markets.
From 2005 to 2008, Ms. McGee was the manager of compensation and benefits for international mobility at Lafarge, overseeing key aspects of expatriate management. Earlier in her career, she spent six years at KPMG LLP as a senior IES manager from 1999 to 2005, where she developed expertise in international assignment planning and global tax strategies.
Laying a strong educational foundation, Ms. McGee earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management from the University of Colorado in 1991. She has since obtained multiple professional certifications that have advanced her career, including becoming a certified public accountant, Global Professional in Human Resources®, SHRM Senior Certified Professional, and certified leadership practitioner.
Beyond her corporate roles, Ms. McGee is actively involved in professional and civic organizations. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and serves on the Women’s Economic Development Council. Since 2023, she has been a board member of the Tennessee Relocation Council, contributing her knowledge of workforce mobility and international human resource policies. Since 2017, she has also served on the LP Advisory Council for Insights Discovery, furthering leadership development initiatives. Ms. McGee’s past leadership roles include serving as president of the North Alabama International Trade Association from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, she is committed to supporting military families and veterans through her involvement with the Association of the United States Army.
Ms. McGee’s contributions to the industry have been widely recognized. In 2013, she received the Global Human Resource Innovation Award from the National Foreign Trade Council for her groundbreaking work in international human resources. Further demonstrating her leadership and expertise, she became an author in 2024 with the publication of her book “The Leadership Attitude: Inspiring Success Through Authenticity and Passion,” published by Advantage Media Group.
Ms. McGee attributes her success to tenacity, determination, and a mindset that refuses to accept limitations. Her strong faith has been a guiding force throughout her career, shaping her resilience and ability to navigate challenges. She firmly believes in making an impact on people’s lives, which drives her passion for mentorship and leadership development. As a military spouse, she relocated 22 times during her husband’s career, an experience that shaped her adaptability and determination. Being a woman in a competitive industry, she overcame numerous obstacles to become a leader who now inspires young professionals and women to recognize their potential.
Ms. McGee’s greatest professional achievement has been building her company. Founding PZI Group was not originally part of her career plan, but like many entrepreneurs, she embraced the opportunity when it arose. Today, with PZI Group reaching $20 million in revenue, she considers it the pinnacle of her career.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. McGee enjoys traveling, reading, and listening to audiobooks. She is married to retired Colonel Mark McGee and is a proud mother of three grown sons. Looking to the future, she envisions expanding her writing career while continuing to foster professional development opportunities. She also aspires to successfully sell her company within the next decade, ensuring its continued growth and impact in the international human resources space.