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Michelle Howell
Innovative Global Human Resources Executive in Defense Contracting/IT; Agile & Creative Solutions that Deliver on Critical Business, Talent & Customer Goals; L&D; Performance Management; Engagement; Coaching; M&A; & DE&I
Professional Background
Michelle Howell is a dedicated HR leader with a track record of success spanning over two decades in the highly technical and regulated field of defense contracting. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at ASRC Federal, a multibillion-dollar enterprise that employs 7,500 individuals across more than 150 locations. Throughout her career, Michelle has been instrumental in navigating organizations through significant changes and crises, emphasizing the importance of support—"We’re in it together." This motto underpins her approach to fostering collaborative workplaces, not just for the business but also for the customers and diverse workforces.
Her journey at ASRC Federal is marked by steady progression through various leadership roles, showcasing her exceptional ability to enhance HR operations and her commitment to talent management. In her earlier tenures at BAE Systems, she was celebrated for creating and implementing award-winning HR programs and policies that set the standard for best practices in the industry.
Education and Achievements
Michelle's education includes a Bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University, providing her with a strong foundation for her career in human resources. Prior to her collegiate studies, she attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, where she began to develop her passion for leadership and mentoring.
Over her extensive career, Michelle has received multiple accolades for her contributions to the HR field. She is a five-time recipient of the prestigious President’s and Chairman’s Awards from BAE Systems, which recognize excellence across various domains, including HR management, innovation, and customer focus. Her acknowledgment in these awards speaks volumes about her impactful work in enhancing employee experiences, particularly in areas such as onboarding, casualty assistance, and employee evacuation processes in high-stakes environments.
Achievements
Among her noteworthy accomplishments, Michelle built scalable and cost-effective HR policies and programs that align closely with business needs. Under her leadership, her teams have surpassed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in critical areas such as time-to-fill, quality of hire, and incumbent capture, reflecting her strategic insight into talent acquisition and retention.
One of Michelle's standout achievements was during large program transitions where she successfully onboarded over 800 employees within a challenging deadline of just 30 days, showcasing her skills in managing large-scale HR operations effectively. Additionally, she has noticeably boosted operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness across the board.
Michelle is passionate about transforming work cultures to be more inclusive and equitable. Her initiatives in inclusion, diversity, and equity have had a profound impact on the organizations she has been a part of, leading to rich employee engagement and dedicated efforts toward championing diverse workforces.
Her extensive skill set includes Global HR Strategy, Talent Acquisition and Retention, Employee Engagement, Organizational Effectiveness, and Executive and Stakeholder Relationships. With her expertise in performance management and compliance, Michelle Howell exemplifies the capabilities required of a forward-thinking HR leader in today’s fast-paced business landscape. Continuing her commitment to mentoring, coaching, and developing talent, she remains a key asset within the HR domain and a driving force for organizational culture and operational success.
