Dr. Stafford has earned distinction as the Executive Director for the Office of Constituent and Grievance Services of the New York City Department of Correction.
NEW YORK, NY, November 20, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ — Michele D. Stafford has been included in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Leveraging almost a decade of excellence in corrections, Dr. Stafford has earned distinction as the Executive Director for the Office of Constituent and Grievance Services of the New York City Department of Correction. Since 2021, she has focused her efforts on overseeing the office of over 52 uniformed and non-uniformed staff, receiving internal and external complaints from the community at large, public officials, oversight agencies, individuals in custody and staff members. She serves as a bridge between the Department and the community at large, where the Office of Constituent and Grievance Services OCGS is a driving force in determining appropriate remediation, providing a final resolution for legitimate concerns regarding conditions of confinement. She serves as an essential link in the transformation process of operations, facilitating change, troubleshooting to resolve complex issues, building community relationships, enhancing public awareness, and promoting justice and positive change while fostering respect for all.
Additionally, Dr. Stafford has been an adjunct Assistant Professor with John Jay College since 2022, teaching students on corrections, race, class, and gender, and is the owner of Always Troubleshooting. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc and a valued member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Stafford served as a Program Supervisor for RBSCC Career Pathways in 2009, overseeing career counselors and providing case management to 65 participants yearly, and became the Associate Director of Career Development for The Doe Fund, Inc. In 2012. During her tenure there, she oversaw the operations and administration of eight staff members, playing a key role in fostering relationships with potential employers for trainees. In 2014, she was the Business Operations Manager for Success Academy Charter Schools, opening two schools in New York City and skillfully managing the annual operation budget and day-to-day logistics for the schools and events. She continued her career improving diversity recruiting and overseeing enrollment activities for transfer students as the Assistant Director of transfer admissions for Long Island University in 2015 and took a role as the Deputy Director of the Project Management Office and Strategic Planning Unit for the New York City Department of Correction.
To prepare for her professional journey, Dr. Stafford earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with concentrations in Biology and Education from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 2009. Following this achievement, she attained a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Alfred University in 2014. She subsequently gained a Doctor of Philosophy in the same field of study from Walden University in 2019. Well-qualified in her field, she is a Certified Instructor of general topics with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and holds multiple leadership certificates. She is a two-time recipient of the New York State Attorney General Triple “C” award, holds an Equity and Inclusion award, Civic Engagement and Community Service award, Distinguished Women award and has received three proclamations, five citations from the New York City Mayor, and United States Senate and, NYC Assembly representatives.
Accounting for her success, Dr. Stafford credits the support and encouragement she received from her community, including a strong network of family members, mentors, and dance sisters who played a significant role in shaping her into the person she is today. Her accomplishments are also a testament to her perseverance and dedication towards bringing about positive change in her community as a woman of color hailing from an underserved background. Her unwavering commitment towards promoting inclusion and social change has earned her several accolades, which she considers as a motivation to continue her efforts in making the world a better place. Understanding that the impact of public service is centered on listening to the concerns of the public and identifying robust solutions to those concerns as strength lies in differences and not in similarities.
Within the coming years, Dr. Stafford intends to serve in a prominent position within the federal government where she can make a tangible impact on a national and international level, while continuing to be a steady Agent of Change, reinforcing diverse voices and ideas through the lens of equity and inclusion as it always leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for society. Dr. Stafford is intentional about shaping culture and the future, where her goal is to continue to implement impactful policies advancing operations resulting in effective public service and raise awareness about the importance of treating others with respect, kindness, and compassion.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
# # #
