HFC welcomes Michele Shelton as Assistant Director of Talent Management

Release Date
Michele Shelton, smiling, has shoulder length brown hair and wearing a plum colored suit jacket with a white blouse.

Although HFC Assistant Director of Talent Management Michele Shelton has more than 20 years of experience in human resources, Henry Ford College is her first role in higher education.

“I have always wanted to work in higher education,” said Shelton. “I was greatly inspired by the mission of the College: ‘Transforming lives and building better futures by providing outstanding education.’ I take pride in supporting an institution that has a significant impact on the local community through education and training.”

Shelton joined the HR team at HFC in late June. She reports to HFC Executive Director of Human Resources Dr. Lisa Bradley. Shelton manages a staff of three and is responsible for the design, development, implementation, administration, and facilitation of talent acquisition, performance management, employee development, organizational development, change management, and employee retention.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with Michele and am excited to have her join the HR team,” said Bradley. “She brings a rich background of HR leadership and talent management experiences that will serve us well as we continue to move the ABIDE Talent Management Strategy forward.”

HR provides a great way to have a positive impact

Born in Detroit, Shelton is the youngest of four. She lives with Vernell, her husband of 14 years, in Redford. She graduated from Renaissance High School in Detroit. A two-time alumna of Central Michigan University, Shelton earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and her master’s degree in human resources management.

She is also certified as a Crucial Conversations instructor through Crucial Learning; an Emotional and Social Competency Inventory practitioner through Korn Ferry Emotional & Social Competency Inventory (ESCI); a Trainer, Speaker, and Coach through the John Maxwell Team; and a Search Advocate through Oregon State University.

“While completing my undergraduate degree, I became intrigued by just how integral the HR function is to organizational success. I wanted to enter a profession that makes a positive impact in the lives of people and would help people see what’s possible. I found that in HR,” explained Shelton.

Before coming to the College, Shelton worked as an HR leader in government, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare.

“My proudest accomplishments all have the same characteristics: They meet a need, they resolve a problem and make things better than they were, and they give people a sense of empowerment and growth,” she said.

So far, Shelton has enjoyed her time at HFC.

“I’m learning the culture and language of higher ed. I have to be patient with the process of getting acclimated to this new environment, so I can help others to the fullest degree,” she said. “One year from now, I can see myself thriving in this role, having gained a better understanding of how higher education works, so I can ensure that all the functions I’m responsible for are set up in such a way that it will support the success of faculty and students alike.”