MATTHEW MCCLELLAN
Traverse City,MI
Summary
Seasoned Human Resources Executive with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries, including behavioral health and hospitality. Expert in aligning HR strategies with organizational goals to foster high-performing, engaged workforces. Skilled in employee relations, talent acquisition, compliance, risk management, and compensation.
Proven ability to lead HR teams, drive performance management systems, and manage organizational development and workforce planning initiatives. Experienced in change management and staff development, with a strong focus on achieving business results and supporting long-term growth. Known for cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion and building strong, productive relationships with leadership and employees.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Gun Lake Tribe
Shelbyville, MI
09.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded human capital initiatives aligned with the Gun Lake Tribe’s mission and strategic objectives, fostering organizational growth, sustainability, and community-focused success across government operations.
- Led and mentored a team of five HR professionals, overseeing day-to-day HR functions while ensuring alignment with tribal values and compliance with both federal regulations and tribal policies to maintain sovereignty.
- Managed and executed comprehensive HR systems across 11 departments, supporting 180+ employees and providing essential services to the Gun Lake Tribe’s membership, ensuring effective talent management, development, and employee engagement.
- Guided HR strategy to promote workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion within a culturally competent framework, honoring the tribe’s traditions while advancing operational excellence and employee well-being.
- Collaborated closely with tribal leadership and key stakeholders to align HR practices with the tribe’s long-term vision, contributing to the growth and empowerment of the tribe and its people.
Director of Human Resources
Sanford Behavioral Health
Marne, MI
12.2023 - 01.2025
- Led and strategized human resources management for Sanford, a start-up behavioral health facility with 165 employees, including clinical and non-clinical staff, providing both inpatient and outpatient services to clients.
- Developed and executed comprehensive HR strategies, aligning human capital initiatives with business objectives to drive performance, recruitment, retention, talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development in a rapidly growing behavioral health environment.
- Directed all HR operations, including talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring a high-functioning, legally compliant workforce.
- Spearheaded employee engagement and retention strategies, resulting in measurable improvements in staff satisfaction, retention rates, and overall performance within a highly demanding healthcare setting.
- Collaborated with the Executive Committee, providing strategic HR insights and recommendations to shape company culture, growth, and long-term talent development, while actively contributing to the company’s vision and goals.
- Implemented and optimized performance management and improvement systems, fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and professional growth across all levels of the organization.
- Ensured regulatory compliance, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of labor laws, healthcare regulations, and industry best practices to mitigate risk and protect the organization’s interests.
Director of Human Resources
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Acme, MI
06.2012 - 06.2023
- Led and executed all human resources initiatives, systems, and strategies for a resort with 750+ employees across 13 diverse departments, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational excellence.
- Provided strategic guidance as a key member of the Executive Committee, advising senior leadership on HR policies, employee relations, and organizational development to support seamless operations across all departments.
- Managed and developed a team of five HR professionals, overseeing daily HR operations while strategically positioning the organization for both short-term and long-term success through targeted talent management and workforce optimization.
- Revamped and expanded foreign labor visa programs, including H2B, J1 Intern/Trainee, and J1 Work and Travel programs, improving seasonal staffing and enhancing the resort’s recruitment flexibility and compliance.
- Led and supported various employee engagement initiatives by overseeing multiple employee committees, such as the Employee Recognition, Wellness, and Green Committees, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Drove employee retention and satisfaction through innovative recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and community-building efforts, contributing to a high level of employee morale and engagement across the resort.
Director of Human Resources
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
Peshawbestown, MI
05.2008 - 06.2012
Interim Tribal Manager
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
Peshawbestown, MI
06.2010 - 01.2011
Benefits Specialist
Emergency Medical Services Corporation
Greenwood Village, CO
09.2006 - 05.2008
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI08.2006
Skills
- Strategic HR Planning & Organizational Development
- Executive Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Talent Acquisition, Retention & Succession Planning
- Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
- Performance Management & Employee Development
- Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining
- Human Resources Compliance (State, Federal & Tribal Laws)
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiatives
- Workforce Planning & Optimization
- Training Design & Leadership Development
Additional Information
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) member
- Traverse Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA) member- local SHRM Chapter
- SHRM-CP (In-progress, first testing window 2025)
Affiliations
- Committee Member, Traverse Connect DEIB Committee
Contributed to strategic initiatives focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within local business communities. Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to create programs and policies promoting inclusive work environments and cultural competency.
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Gun Lake Tribe
09.2024 - Current
Director of Human Resources
Sanford Behavioral Health
12.2023 - 01.2025
Director of Human Resources
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
06.2012 - 06.2023
Interim Tribal Manager
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
06.2010 - 01.2011
Director of Human Resources
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
05.2008 - 06.2012
Benefits Specialist
Emergency Medical Services Corporation
09.2006 - 05.2008
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Central Michigan University