Ovell Barbee

Ovell Barbee has established an outstanding reputation as a visionary human resource leader with a demonstrated track record of delivering results. Barbee has developed and led innovative HR initiatives in complex and diverse industries.

Barbee has served in HR leadership positions at top-notch organizations such as Steelcase, Motorola, OnStar, General Motors, CN Rail and most recently serves as the Vice-President of Human Resources for the Health Business Unit at Career Education Corporation. He has supported P&L’s with more than 3.0 billion dollars in revenue.

Barbee has exceptional educational credentials; holding a Masters in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. In addition to the masters degrees; Barbee holds a Bachelors in Communications, also earned at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and is currently certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resource (SPHR) by the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM).

Barbee was named one of the country’s “Top 50 Executives Under the Age of 50”, by the National Black MBA Association. He has been the keynote speaker at both HR forums and community-based events and is an advocate of education and demonstrates this commitment by proactively covering the costs of books and supplies for deserving college students.

Barbee, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan is an avid runner, having successfully completed a marathon in 2009, enjoys physical fitness activity and traveling. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, SHRM, and the National Black MBA Association.