Michelle Smith became VP of Human Resources for Barnes & Noble, Inc. toward the end of 1996. In this key position, she heads the growth, application and allocation of policies, practices and projects for employees in all activities (benefits, logistics, etc.). Since her time at the company, Smith has played a significant role in leading the creation of new initiatives that have solidified the company’s huge expansion in the form of an Intranet, HR service center and an enhanced employee benefits package. Smith joined the company in 1993 in as Director of Human Resources.