Lisa Bradley
By KURT KRUG
For the Times-Herald
DEARBORN — Lisa Bradley joined Henry Ford College at the beginning of the Winter 2023 semester as the college’s new executive director of human resources.
Bradley’s immediate goals are to advance the rollout internal programs to increase efficiency, as well as the seemingly endless task of digital file conversion. Further strategic plans will align the work of HR with college goals and continue to grow HR as an excellent, service-based organization across the board.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Lisa,” said HFC Assistant Director of Employee and Labor Relations Mark Tade. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will complement and enhance the HR department, and she has already proven to be a welcome addition to the team.”
Bradley has a developing vision for her time at HFC, which includes advancing employee diversity and retention in alignment with the ABIDE Strategic Plan.
“We need to focus on having a diverse faculty and staff, so our students can see themselves reflected in the groups who support their success,” she said. “I’m focused on building relationships with the college’s five bargaining units and other key stakeholders, and actively supporting the Strategic Plan. I am looking forward to moving the HR department forward and watching it evolve.”
Bradley reports to HFC Vice President of Strategy and Human Resources Lori Gonko.
“I knew from our first encounter that Lisa would bring something special to HFC,” Gonko said. “She has a wealth of experience in strategic HR efforts with particular expertise in leadership development, recruiting and onboarding, and DEIB program implementation. I am excited to partner with and learn from her. She is already proving to be a great addition to our HR team and the college.”
Bradley is a graduate of Lutheran West High School in Detroit. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and business management from Adrian College and her master’s degree in education with a specialization in training and development from Capella University in Minneapolis. She also has a master’s degree in human development from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Bradley has three graduate certificates: one in evidence-based coaching and another in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility – both from Fielding – as well as a third in human resource management from Capella. She is working on her doctoral degree in human development from Fielding.
In addition, Bradley is a professional certified coach through the International Coaching Federation.
She has professional memberships in the ICF, Society for Human Resource Management, the Society for Diversity, and the Institute of Coaching. A mother of two adult sons, Bradley lives in her native Detroit.
Bradley began her career as a social worker. After three years in child welfare, she began employment in learning and development. She has spent 35 years in human resources, 10 of which in HR leadership.
Throughout her career, she has worked as the director of learning and development at MetLife Insurance Co. in Southfield, the training manager at AAA Michigan in Dearborn, learning strategist at Xerox Learning Services in Cleveland, the director and later vice-president of people and culture at The Mars Agency in Southfield, and the senior director of talent and culture for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Prior to coming to HFC, Bradley served as a leadership solutions partner focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion at the Center for Creative Leadership Inc. in Greensboro, N.C.
“I remember attending a training session at the CCL in 1998. I knew then I wanted to work for the CCL and jumped at the chance when the opportunity came up,” she recalled.
Bradley spoke about what attracted her to HFC.
“I’m a lifelong learner, so that seemed to be an appropriate fit,” she said. “Walking on a college campus brings me to life, and the opportunity to contribute to students’ success is exciting to me. HFC gave me the opportunity to return to HR leadership.
“We are responsible for people’s livelihoods here at the college. We are supporting higher education. To borrow from the mission statement: We transform lives for employees, so they are prepared to do the same for our students. HR is in place to support HFC employees to ensure they have what they need in order to perform at their best.”