George Mason Alumna Alison Hallett Reflects on Her 25-Year Journey to Vice President of Marketing and Communications at CGI
When Alison Hallett began her journey at American Management Systems over two decades ago, she didn’t know it would lead to a lifelong career with CGI—a global technology and professional services firm with nearly 90,000 employees worldwide. A proud George Mason University alumna, Alison now serves as Vice President of U.S. Marketing and Communications, helping lead transformation and growth at CGI.
She recently sat down with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) to talk about the lessons that shaped her path—and how others can forge their own.
FFX NOVA: Please introduce yourself and your role at the company.
Alison Hallett: My name is Alison Hallett and I’m a Vice-President here on our U.S. Marketing Communications team at CGI. CGI is a global technology and professional services firm, and we work with some of the world’s most iconic commercial brands and federal, state and local governments. We have about 90,000 professionals worldwide and a beautiful, newly renovated office here in Fairfax County. I’m responsible for driving transformation through marketing areas that support CGI’s growth. I really love overcoming obstacles and helping make the difficult possible.
FFX NOVA: Where did you grow up and where did you attend college?
Alison Hallett: I grew up in Virginia Beach, and I went to George Mason University, which is right down the road from our offices here at CGI. I studied Communication at George Mason, which really helped me develop my passion for the art of communications. I enjoy communicating with authenticity and clarity and helping motivate others to action.
FFX NOVA: How long have you worked at the company?
Alison Hallett: I am celebrating my 25th year anniversary at CGI this year. I joined CGI through a merger with a company called American Management Systems. CGI and AMS merged in 2004, so my combined tenure is now 25 years. Merging with another company is a big source of pride for us here. Almost 50% of our professionals joined CGI through a merger.
FFX NOVA: What’s great about this company and why have you stayed here throughout your career?
Alison Hallett: CGI sets the bar high for the work that we do. The outcomes that we deliver and the way that we treat one another sets us apart. CGI encourages learning outside the lines, which means that I’ve been able to pursue passion areas that are important to me and my career development, and we encourage that for everyone that we work with.
One of the things that keeps me here at CGI is our ownership culture. From day one of employment, regardless of your title or level, everyone is invited to participate in ownership of the company through our share purchase plan. In fact, 87% of my colleagues are owners of CGI, and I’m proud to be an owner as well.
FFX NOVA: Why is it great to work at a company that’s located in Fairfax County?
Alison Hallett: When I graduated from George Mason, I really wanted to stay in the area. I think the Washington, D.C., region has a lot to offer. There are so many different unique communities to experience around the area. I also really enjoy being part of a company that gives back to the local community. This past summer, our team had the opportunity to do a pro-bono project for The Women’s Center – a local organization with a mission to provide mental health services to all members of the community, regardless of their ability to pay. Mental wellbeing is something that we lean into a lot here at CGI, so it was a really rewarding opportunity to give back to a local organization.
FFX NOVA: Why is Northern Virginia a great place to live?
Alison Hallett: Northern Virginia has a lot to offer for both businesses and employees in the area. It offers a balanced lifestyle. The Washington, D.C., area has a great talent pool. Additionally, there’s wonderful food and great destinations. There are lots of transportation options that make doing business in this
area easy, and lots of great community activities. My sons participate in sports, so we spend much our weekends going around to different Fairfax County sports complexes and recreational facilities. It’s great to explore the local area, find a new restaurant or a new destination.
FFX NOVA: What advice would you give someone who is considering moving to this region to start their career?
Alison Hallett: My advice for someone moving to this region and exploring a career here is to explore all the different communities that exist around the area. Whether you’re looking for something urban or suburban or something more historic or with more modern development – there’s an area here that you’re going to love.
FFX NOVA: What would be your top three secrets of success for someone starting a career?
Alison Hallett: Raise your hand, particularly for those opportunities that maybe people around you are not pursuing. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll learn. Communicate often and leverage all the channels that are available to you. Build relationships – pick up the phone and schedule that in-person time. It will differentiate you. And lastly, leave something better behind. That’s an expression I picked up while I was at George Mason University, and it’s really stuck with me. I try to think about the work that I’m doing and the legacy that it leaves behind for the person who’s going to take it on next.
FFX NOVA: Anything else you’d like to share?
Alison Hallett: George Mason University is just a few miles from our offices here in Fairfax, which presents great opportunity for partnership, for internships and for hiring talented Mason graduates. CGI is a corporate sponsor of George Mason, where we have a scholarship as well as participate in a capstone project at the School of Engineering. We also have a program that helps students who are interested in pursuing a security clearance, given the bulk of the work that we do with the federal government here in the D.C. area.
CGI is always recruiting for talented professionals and tech talent at all levels across the United States, so I would encourage you to check out CGI.com/UScareers to explore those open opportunities.