Merry Michalsen serves as the Chief People Officer at Allies4Outcomes. She is an experienced Human Resources professional with a solid background in both government and non-profit sectors. Merry takes a strategic, people-centered approach to HR, specializing in process improvement, employee relations, HR operations, strategic planning, leadership development and coaching, and recruitment. Her passion lies in creating inclusive, high-performing workplaces where both individuals and organizations can thrive. Merry possesses a unique ability to understand both the big picture and intricate details, as well as the complexities in between.
Merry began her career in 2003 as an Income Maintenance Caseworker in Adult Medicaid. Over the years, she has held various leadership positions within the Health and Human Services department, including Income Maintenance Supervisor, Division Head, and Program Administrator. Her Human Resources experience includes roles such as Employee Relations Coordinator and Consultant, and she has served as the Human Resources Operations Manager at the County Level. In the non-profit sector, Merry worked as a Managing Director, People Business Partner for nearly three years. Merry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, a Master of Public Administration from Walden University, and a Master of Science in Human Resources from Western Carolina University.
Merry enjoys spending her free time watching movies, taking walks, reading, drawing, crafting, and creating—either alone or with her partner and their four children. Originally from the Chicago Suburbs, she has lived in Western North Carolina for 25 years.
