Bio
Michelle White is Harris & Associates CEO and President. Michelle joined Harris in 2018 and has also served as Chief People Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
As an executive and board member, Michelle leads with over 35 years of experience in developing high-performing teams to deliver strategic results. She brings strong business acumen, deep industry knowledge, and compelling vision to her role as CEO.
“I aim to be accessible to everyone,” Michelle says. “Empowering our people to live our Purpose, Vision, and Shared Values—across Harris and in the communities we serve—remains my highest priority.”
Michelle has been a driving force in leading teams across the company. She has prioritized investing in our people by designing practices and programs, including mentoring, coaching, and leadership development. Alongside her team, Michelle crafted these initiatives to expand individual capabilities, support personal and professional growth, and enhance overall health and wellbeing.
Simultaneously, Michelle has played a pivotal role in nurturing our culture. She spearheaded our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and partnered with an array of employee-owners to activate Employee Community Networks and achieve an impressive 84% companywide inclusion rating. This success reflects high-performing ratings across key demographics, including from employees who identify as Women, People of Color, and LGBTQ+.
Michelle’s influence and insight also drives companywide high performance. She has been instrumental in providing on-demand organizational development solutions, streamlining performance management systems, and leveraging human capital analytics to inform strategic planning and growth strategies.
“Michelle’s contributions, including leading Harris through a pandemic and championing our DEI Strategy, demonstrate her deep commitment to our Purpose, Vision, and Shared Values,” highlights Lisa Larrabee, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her capabilities and experience ensure a strong foundation.”
“Michelle is a strategic and inclusive leader,” stated Board Member Steve Winchester. “She’s the ideal choice to guide Harris into the future.”
Why Harris?
To make a difference! Harris is a growing, vibrant, innovative, and positive organization. I’m excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead.
Contact Details
Michelle.White@WeAreHarris.com
925.276.9674
Los Angeles, CA
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Membership Associations
Bay Area Organization Development Network (BAODN)
Human Resource Learning Center (HRLC)
National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA)
Licenses + Certifications
Organizational Development Group Facilitation (BAODN)
Employee Relations Law (IAML)
Accredited Facet 5 Personality Profiles
Hogan Assessments
Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) & Envisia Learning 360 programs
Strengths Finders & Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Leadership Work Styles (Human Synergistics)
GROW Coaching
Categories
Executive Leadership
Senior Leadership