Quigley-Simpson Strengthens Talent Team with VP, Talent & Culture and Culture & Inclusion Lead

Leading independent full-service agency Quigley-Simpson has announced the appointment of Michele Boersma as VP, talent and culture. As the largest WBENC-certified woman-owned agency in the country, Quigley-Simpson is deeply committed to supporting and empowering its employees, which is the focus of Michele’s new role. Her responsibilities include developing and overseeing employee programs, agency culture, recruiting, talent training, and retention. 

Michele brings a wealth of experience driving organisational success through strategic talent management, cultivating positive workplace cultures, and navigating complex HR compliance landscapes. Her most recent role was as senior director of talent at Oxford Road, where she spearheaded the implementation of the Predictive Index Tool, resulting in improved hiring decisions and significantly reduced turnover. Additionally, she designed and implemented a talent assessment calibration tool and championed a culture of continuous training and development. Prior to her tenure at Oxford Road, Michele held leadership positions in Talent/HR at Kindercare Learning Centre, Gap, Inc. (Old Navy), Ann Taylor, and Bebe.

In addition, Suzie Bao, group account director, is taking on an expanded role as group account director/culture and inclusion. This shift underscores Quigley-Simpson’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. Collaborating closely with Michele, Suzie will curate agency programs that celebrate diverse cultures and address inclusion topics. These initiatives will include a speaker series, employee fireside chats, and informative Lunch & Learns. Suzie will reinforce the agency’s continuing support of significant cultural moments throughout the year, including Black History Month, International Women’s Month, AAPI Heritage, Pride, Juneteenth, and Hispanic Heritage Month. Suzie will also represent the agency at various DE&I conferences.

Suzie, an accomplished account leader with an impressive track record spanning over two decades, is a sought-after expert and speaker in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an Advisory Board Member for Asians in Advertising - a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the AAPI community - Suzie actively fosters a more inclusive industry. Her contributions were recently recognised when she was named a 'Working Mother of the Year' by She Runs It, a century-old champion of women’s leadership that supports inclusion and positive change in the advertising industry.

“Our achievements are intrinsically linked to our people,” remarked Renee Hill Young, co-founder of Quigley-Simpson. “That’s a truth that Gerald Bagg and I recognised when we first opened our doors over two decades ago. Our mission is to equip each team member with essential tools, training, and unwavering support. We enthusiastically welcome Michele, who will lead our Talent Department, leveraging her expertise to attract and retain top-tier talent. Collaborating with Suzie in the DE&I space will continue our commitment to diversity in thought, experiences, and culture at Quigley-Simpson.”