At Atech Logistics, people are the heart of every decision, and no one understands that better than Michelle Feeney, Human Resources Director. With nearly a decade of experience at Atech and a background rooted in creativity and adaptability, Michelle brings a people-first approach to HR that’s grounded in fairness, empathy, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right.
A Creative Journey into HR
Michelle’s path to human resources was anything but traditional. With a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Art History, she originally envisioned a career in animation. But after years of administrative roles and plenty of exposure to people and operations, her career trajectory shifted.
“I was filling in for an HR Director who was on maternity leave,” she recalls. “I hadn’t considered HR before, but I quickly realized how much it aligned with the people skills I’d built in my previous roles.” That short-term assignment sparked a lasting interest. Michelle pursued post-graduate coursework in Human Resources Management, ultimately discovering that her new path combined structure, creativity, and purpose in a way that felt right.
Since joining Atech in 2016, Michelle has made a lasting mark, growing into a leadership position and helping shape the company’s HR practices during a time of tremendous growth.
Leading with Flexibility and Fairness
In a role as dynamic as Human Resources, no two days are ever the same. Michelle’s responsibilities span everything from benefits administration and compliance to employee relations and workers’ compensation. “You can walk in with a set plan, and one phone call can change your entire day,” she explains.
That unpredictability doesn’t rattle her; it energizes her. “HR is kind of the problem department,” she says with a smile. “Whether you’re preventing issues or solving them, you’re always learning. That’s what keeps it interesting.”
For Michelle, one of the most important aspects of the job is maintaining trust across the company. “I’ve always tried to build an HR department that people feel comfortable turning to,” she says. “It’s not just about enforcing policies—it’s about being a resource.”
With Atech operating across multiple states and under the added oversight of DOT and FMCSA regulations, staying compliant requires constant vigilance. Michelle thrives on the challenge. “It’s intricate but incredibly rewarding to know we’re doing things the right way,” she says.
Building with Heart
Reflecting on her time at Atech, Michelle is proud of how much both she and the company have grown. When she started, Atech had about 150 employees and 11 terminals. Today, that number has grown to over 265 employees and 18 terminals—and counting.
“When I started, I was a one-person department,” she recalls. “Now we’ve added another team member, and as the company grows, the department will too. It’s exciting to think about what’s ahead.”
Her greatest sense of accomplishment comes from helping shift the perception of HR as something more than a place for disciplinary action. “If I’ve helped create an environment where employees and managers see HR as a partner, that’s a success I’m really proud of.”
Life Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Michelle embraces her creative side and adventurous spirit. “I’ve dabbled in everything from pottery to woodworking to knitting,” she says. She’s also an avid cook and baker with dreams of taking advanced culinary classes someday.
Travel is another passion, fueled in part by a childhood with limited exposure to it. “I hadn’t been on a plane until I was 18 or outside of California and Nevada until I was 20,” she says. Now, she’s been to 15 states and eight countries, with plenty more on her bucket list.
Exploring new places also inspires her work. “I love researching destinations before I visit, learning about the culture, the history, the food. That curiosity and appreciation for different perspectives helps in HR too.”
Why Atech Feels Like Home
Michelle credits much of her professional fulfillment to Atech’s supportive culture. “It’s not just talk. Our leadership truly values people,” she says. “That’s incredibly important for someone working in HR. It allows me to focus on proactive, meaningful work instead of constantly putting out fires.”
She also enjoys the opportunity to contribute to company events, like Atech’s annual management summit. “It’s one of the more creative aspects of my role,” she says. “Plus, it’s a great chance to connect with the entire team in person.”
When describing the culture to prospective employees, Michelle highlights the little things: appreciation events, thoughtful touches at each terminal, and a genuine sense of family. “It’s a place where your work is valued, your voice is heard, and your growth is supported,” she says.
Looking Ahead
As Atech continues to expand, Michelle is excited for the future. “We’ve grown so much already, but there’s still a lot ahead,” she says. “I’m proud to be part of a company where I feel like I can make an impact every day.”
If she weren’t in HR, Michelle says she could see herself pursuing legal compliance consulting or a specialized role within the HR field. But it’s clear she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
“Helping people, solving problems, and contributing to a better workplace, it’s what I love,” she says. “And I’m grateful I get to do it here at Atech.”
