Michele Banks

Dr. Michele Banks is an executive leader, academic professional, and strategist with over 15 years of experience in public service, strategic operations, and organizational transformation. Operating at the intersection of strategy and human performance, she specializes in aligning institutional structures to deliver high-impact outcomes in complex environments.

Dr. Banks earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Leadership and Management from Walden University. She also holds a Master of Public Administration from Alfred University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cheyney University. She is a Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (initiated 2013) and remains deeply committed to community service through active engagement with local organizations.

Dr. Banks has served as a professor since 2022 with a focus on Public Policy & Administration, Criminal Justice and Business Management, Dr. Banks has extensive experience designing and delivering rigorous undergraduate and graduate curricula. At Walden University, she serves as an Adjunct Professor and Dissertation Coach, contributing to the academic community through curriculum development, and instruction in fields such as public administration, public safety, criminal justice, and dissertation development.

Dr. Banks’ primary research and expertise are concentrated in three core domains: Public Policy and Administration, involving policy analysis, intergovernmental relations, and public finance; Leadership and Management, with a focus on organizational strategy, change management, and conflict resolution; and Criminal Justice, specializing in criminological theory, justice reform, and community relations.

Dr. Banks’ professional career is rooted in high-stakes public service and operational reform. She previously held critical leadership roles for the NYC Department of Correction, including Executive Director of the Office of Constituent and Grievance Services and Deputy Director of the Project Management Office. In these capacities, she directed high-stakes audits and collaborated with oversight agencies to enforce minimum standards and implement data-driven quality management. Her expertise lies in evidence-based operational reform and leveraging metrics to eliminate inaccuracies and drive excellence.