Bridgette Smith-Bates, MBA
Bridgette Smith-Bates, MBA (she/her), is a seasoned Regional HR Leader with extensive experience driving people strategy, operational excellence, and organizational growth across large, multi-site operations. Currently serving as a Regional Human Resources Business Partner at Family Dollar, she is a key member of the Regional Leadership Team, overseeing HR support for more than 200 stores and approximately 2,500 employees across the state of Alabama and Florida panhandle. In this role, Bridgette leads critical HR initiatives including leadership development, workforce planning, performance management, compliance, and employee engagement, while using data-driven insights to reduce risk, improve retention, and enhance productivity. Bridgette brings a strong background in retail and field operations, having held progressive HR and leadership roles with nationally recognized organizations such as McDonald’s, Dollar General, and Marshall Durbin Companies. Her experience spans field HR partnership, employee relations investigations, deployment leadership, training, and talent development. Known for her ability to influence at all levels of leadership, she combines strategic thinking with a hands-on, people-first approach, maintaining confidentiality while serving as a trusted advisor to directors, vice presidents, and executive leaders. In addition to her corporate leadership, Bridgette has contributed to the development of future professionals as an Adjunct HR Instructor and remains deeply committed to community service. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Auburn University and an MBA in Finance from Colorado Technical University. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Bridgette is recognized not only for her professional impact, but also for her dedication to service, mentorship, and strengthening the communities she serves.
• Colorado Technical University- M.B.A.
• Auburn University- B.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building strong relationships, staying authentic, and embracing every opportunity to learn and grow—leveraging each role to develop my skills and make a meaningful impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay true to yourself, seek out mentors who inspire you, and focus on building meaningful relationships—these guide your growth and open doors for future opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering HR to not take criticism personally, stay true to their unique approach, prove themselves through their work, and seek mentorship from leaders across generations.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, authenticity, and growth—drawing inspiration from my family, mentors, and experiences, as I share in my book From the Apron to the Cape.