Michele Hicks

About Michele Hicks

Entrepreneur, strategist, and people-focused leader with a strong track record of building teams, shaping culture, and helping businesses grow. I bring over two decades of experience guiding organizations through key transitions — whether launching a startup, scaling operations, or navigating complex people challenges.I\'ve led and advised across industries, from early-stage ventures to established nonprofits and tech companies. As founder of Lighthouse HR Group, I’ve supported business owners and leadership teams with hands-on consulting in areas like organizational design, talent planning, and leadership development. Currently, I serve as Senior Director at JumpStart Inc, a venture development organization supporting entrepreneurs and economic growth.I\'m also the proud co-founder of SpeakAnyWay, a startup close to my heart. Inspired by my grandson Austin and created in partnership with my daughter Brittany, SpeakAnyWay helps nonverbal individuals communicate more freely using AI-assisted tools. It blends my passion for people with my belief in practical, life-changing solutions — and it’s one of the most meaningful ventures I’ve had the joy to build.I hold both an MBA and a Master’s in Human Resource Management, along with several certifications. But more than anything, I value real connection, clear thinking, and rolling up my sleeves to help good ideas take shape.When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my family, traveling, and always learning something new.Let’s connect! m••••••@speakanyway.com Or message me here on LinkedIn

Experience

1. Sr Director, Human Resources

   JumpStart Inc.

   Jul 2023 — Present · Cleveland, OH, US

   HR Strategy Development: Developed and executed comprehensive people strategies aligning with the company\'s mission and growth objectives, resulting in improved employee satisfaction and retention rates.• ICHRA Plan Implementation: Designed, implemented, and administered an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) plan, anticipated to save over 50% in 2024, significantly enhancing employee benefits satisfaction.• System Integration: Consolidated several disparate HR systems into one streamlined system, incorporating carrier feeds to eliminate manual data entry, resulting in an increase in efficiency, a 20% reduction in costs, and elimination of entry errors.• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Led talent acquisition efforts, sourcing top talent, developing recruiting processes, and building a strong employer brand.• Compensation and Benefits: Oversaw the administration of competitive compensation and benefits programs, ensuring equitable pay structures and improving employee satisfaction and retention. • Employee Engagement & Experience: Championed an inclusive and empowering work environment, developing and managing employee programs that foster professional growth and engagement, resulting in an increase in employee engagement and an improvement in overall well-being metrics.• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Championed DEI initiatives, establishing metrics to measure progress and hold the company accountable, ensuring workforce diversity and an improvement in inclusion scores.• Employee Relations: Acted as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership, providing guidance on HR matters and conflict resolution.• Compliance: Ensured HR practices complied with all relevant laws and regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and resulting in zero compliance-related incidents and audits.

Education

• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University

  Master of Business Administration (MBA), MBA and MHRM

  2010 — 2012

• DeVry University

  BSTM, Human Resources

  2004 — 2007

• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University

  MHRM, Human Resources

  2008 — 2010

Skills

• Coaching
• College Recruiting
• Talent Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Compensation & Benefit
• Employment Law
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Workforce Planning
• Business Strategy
• Policy
• Benefits Administration
• Applicant Tracking Systems
• HR Consulting
• Employee Engagement
• Change Management
• Career Development
• Hiring
• Deferred Compensation
• Compensation
• Interviews
• Leadership Development
• New Hire Orientations
• Entrepreneur
• Organizational Change
• Time Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Hris
• Employee Relations
• Performance Management
• Employee Training
• Personnel Management
• Resume Writing
• Business Ethics
• Performance Appraisal
• Strategy
• Succession Planning
• Onboarding
• Payroll
• Temporary Placement
• Organizational Development