With over 25 years of experience, Melissa’s approach to leadership is a unique blend of collaboration, insightful perspectives, strategic and creative talents to attain alignment of business and people needs. With a background in commercial real estate, manufacturing and retail, coupled with her people-first approach, Melissa’s experience and expertise perfectly compliment the mission of 12 Oaks.
“I am thrilled to join 12 Oaks to continue building on their success and passion for employees and communities to thrive. I look forward to collaborating with the extraordinary team to enhance people strategies and employee experience where people feel connected, empowered, and respected.” Melissa Labor said. “This opportunity is particularly exciting to create environments where values and culture are felt and demonstrated in every community. I am also excited for the opportunity to expose others to the amazing culture at 12 Oaks.”
Melissa is a strategic organizational development and people leader, with both business and creative talents. In her previous roles as a Head of Talent at Amherst Holdings and CHRO at Granite Properties. Melissa was a strategic partner, developing and owning talent strategies to drive growth, achieve business priorities, and provide rewarding employee experiences. Among her responsibilities, Melissa was responsible for overall strategy and leadership of talent acquisition, early talent, learning and development, HR business partners, onboarding, employee engagement, performance, succession planning, recognition, and DEIB.
Additionally, Melissa is Founder and Chief Thought Leader of Bespoke – People and Culture Strategies, a consulting and coaching practice providing customized approaches to transform and enhance companies through people and culture strategies. At Bespoke, Melissa has a solid track record of equipping companies and leaders to create great work environments.
Prior to launching her consulting and coaching career, Melissa held Executive HR and Culture leadership roles in commercial real estate, manufacturing, and retail industries. She successfully led people initiatives through periods of significant growth and change. Melissa is “Dare to Lead” trained in guiding and developing leaders to be brave and create environments for courageous cultures. She is a certified Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) through the HRCI, a Senior Certified HR Professional (SHRM-SCP) through SHRM and certified TalentSmart Emotional Intelligence facilitator. She has participated in the Zappos Culture Bootcamp, Southwest Airlines Culture Connection and the Coaches Training Institute programs. Her contributions to the Dallas business community have been recognized by her peers through nominations for Ogletree Deakins HR Professional of the Year and Dallas HR Executive of the Year.
“Melissa will make a wonderful addition to the C-Suite and Executive Team and be a valued resource for us all, ensuring we continue to focus on a community culture that is highly collaborative, competitive in the market, appropriately controlled and supportive of individual creativity” said Greg Puklicz, 12 Oaks Senior Living President.
Melissa’s extensive background as a people leader, coupled with her business skills, will contribute significantly to the growth and continued success of 12 Oaks in delivering outstanding services to community owners. With the addition of Melissa to the leadership team, 12 Oaks is positioned to handle the recent expansion and success enjoyed with the growth of our portfolio of senior living communities. 12 Oaks is thrilled about the influence Melissa will bring in further enhancing the company culture, solidifying its position as a Great Place to Work company.
Based in Dallas, Texas, the organization proudly manages a portfolio of senior living communities utilizing a high-touch community management model. 12 Oaks is committed to this streamlined and quick response model to stay attuned to the needs and changes of communities and to react quickly for the benefit of ownership. To learn more about the character, competency, and care that is required to successfully manage senior living portfolios, visit 12oaks.com.