Chantel Thompson, SHRM-CP, PSHRA-SCP
Chantel Thompson, SHRM-CP, PSHRA-SCP is an award-winning human resources executive, people strategy leader, and founder of Curated Consulting Group. Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, she also serves as the Director of Human Resources for the City of Concord, where she leads organizational policy development, employee relations, and workforce strategy for a large public-sector workforce. With a career spanning more than 25 years, she is recognized for building transparent, people-centered HR systems that emphasize trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Chantel began her professional journey in public relations after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Early in her career, she discovered a strong interest in the human side of organizational communication, which eventually led her into human resources. Over time, she transitioned from communications roles into progressively senior HR leadership positions within the City of Concord, where she has served as HR Manager, Deputy Director, and now Director. Alongside her municipal leadership role, she also founded Curated Consulting Group, where she provides HR consulting, executive coaching, and organizational development services.
Her work is grounded in emotional intelligence, leadership development, and a belief that effective HR is both strategic and deeply human. Chantel is a SHRM-CP and PSHRA-SCP certified professional and is active in civic and professional organizations, including SHRM leadership roles and community boards. She is widely respected for her writing and speaking on topics such as trust in leadership, performance management, and workplace culture, consistently advocating for environments where employees and leaders can thrive together through clarity, empathy, and intentional leadership.
• SHRM Certified Professional
• Senior Certified Professional (POSHRA - Public Sector HR Association)
• EQI Certified in Emotional Intelligence (MHS Talent Development)
• Workplace Big Five
• PSHRA-SCP
• MHS-EQi
• North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University- B.A.
• Vice President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Lambda Upson Omega Chapter
• Vice President of Cabarrus Regional SHRM Chapter (Past President for 5 years)
• Immediate Past President for Cabarrus County Boys and Girls Club Executive Board
• Board of Trustees for Barber Scotia College
• Member of The Links Incorporated
• Carolina Ponds Chapter
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Community service through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• Community service through Boys and Girls Club
• Community service through The Links Incorporated
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say diligence - not giving up or stopping when it's hard, but allowing yourself to take a pause and reset and pivot if needed. The resilience and tenacity to keep going is crucial. You know, just be who you are. Sometimes you step into rooms, you may not see anyone who looks like you, you may not see anyone that you feel like you connect with, but you have to show up as your whole self every single time and do your best. Keep focused on what it is that you're doing, and everything else will fall into place. My proudest accomplishment is creating a strong brand with my personal business that actually aligns with my personal and professional beliefs - doing everything with integrity and in excellence, helping people find their voice or become their best selves through career coaching. Sometimes you just need a little reminder of who you are to help people step into or own who they are, to believe that you are who you say you are.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you're just starting your career, I would say be patient, be okay with being a lifetime learner, because nobody knows everything and things change so quickly, you have to continue to learn and sharpen your craft. There's no way you're gonna know everything. One day, you're gonna be encountered with something that you have never heard of before, never seen before, so you have to be okay with not knowing. You have to have the ability to seek information to find the answer that you need, not automatically know it. That would be my advice.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in her field right now is keeping pace with rapid change, which requires continuous learning, adaptability, and consistently sharpening skills to stay effective and relevant.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and excellence are at the core of her work and personal life, along with a commitment to helping people recognize and connect with their strengths and voice.