Michele Matthews, CPHR has been a Board Member of CPHR BC & Yukon since June 2024. She is a key contributor to the success of Canada’s leading haircare manufacturer, AG Care, an organization recognized for their global brand and being one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

As its Chief Operating Officer, Michele is responsible for helping to set the strategic direction of the company and enhancing performance by aligning leadership, business strategy and culture. Her scope includes leading Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, IT and People & Culture functions. She fosters a dynamic company culture that inspires innovation and promotes supportive practices aligned with AG’s values. 

Michele is a Certified Executive Coach (Royal Roads University), holds a CPHR designation, and is a graduate of BCIT in Human Resources Management. In 2021, Michele was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award and is currently a Board Director for the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Michele and her husband Glenn were both raised in North Vancouver, and along with their two daughters, are proud to call it home.

We had the opportunity to ask Michele some questions about her background, including how CPHR BC & Yukon played a role in her professional development, as well as her priorities as a member of the Board of Directors:

Michele Matthews, CPHR – CPHR BC & Yukon Board Member

What was it that sparked your HR journey?

I believe in fiercely embracing challenges, tackling problems like a puzzle, making a positive impact and genuinely caring for people. People have always been at the center of my career journey. Having started my career in sales and marketing, I had the opportunity early on to shift to human resources – an opportunity full of challenges, problem solving and people – one that I couldn’t pass up. HR has been the foundation of my career.

How has that changed or stayed the same in the years since?

While I have grown my career from being specifically focused on Human Resources to enterprise-wide leadership, what has stayed the same is the importance of people. Employees are the lifeblood of every organization and drive the business forward. It all stops and starts with people.

How did CPHR BC & Yukon help you along your career path?

CPHR BC & Yukon has been there every step of my career path. Starting at the very beginning with information sessions and courses to prepare me for the NKE and CPHR exams, that led me to being successful in achieving my designation. It has provided the opportunity of being part of a community, involvement in volunteering & mentoring, and ongoing professional development. In my current role of Chief Operating Officer, I still attend the annual conference to continuously learn and remain connected to the HR industry.

What advice would you give to HR professionals who are looking to further develop their skills and experience?

My advice would be to own your career – don’t leave it for someone else to develop for you. Commit to being a life-long learner. It doesn’t matter what level you are at in your career, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow. Join a CPHR BC & Yukon roundtable group where you can learn from peers and expand your network. Find a mentor for every stage of your career. Start before you feel you are ready and never take no for an answer.

What inspired you to become a Board Member of CPHR BC & Yukon?

Giving back and community involvement have always been important to me, and I have been able to take my business experience, knowledge, and skills to the not-for-profit sector. My previous board experience ranges from being a founding board member to participation in well established boards. Having the opportunity to become a Board Member of CPHR BC & Yukon, an organization that has been instrumental in my own career development, is a privilege and I am excited to get involved.

What are your priorities as a Board Member of CPHR BC & Yukon?

Ultimately my priority is to make a positive impact by supporting the organization to achieve their mandate. At the same time supporting my personal goals of giving back, life-long learning and building community. I look forward to working with the dynamic Board of Directors, a group of accomplished HR and business professionals, and serving the HR profession.