Michelle Smead

Michelle brings more than 25 years of executive search experience to Patina Solutions’ clients. She has held executive positions with DHR International, A.T. Kearney, KPMG and EY. She has served clients in private and public, large cap industrial/consumer companies, professional and financial services firms, and nonprofit organizations. Michelle is known for her business acumen, assessment of leadership that aligns to the strategy and culture of clients and quality delivery. Functional expertise includes recruiting C-level and senior roles in finance, operations, business development, marketing/communications, strategy, and human resources.

Michelle has also been recognized for her experience in diversity. She served as a global member of the Diversity Council at A.T. Kearney and led the executive practice. Her diversity work has increased the representation of diverse leadership within client firms.

Michelle is a member of the International Women’s Forum, Board of Directors of Executive Leaders in Transition, past President of the Kellogg’s Executive Women’s Network and Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Women’s Board, and former Board Member of the DePaul Theater School. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her MBA from Northwestern Kellogg School of Management.