Martha Bibbs is a community volunteer and humanitarian who has a passion for helping children and families. She is a Human Resources professional with a long career at state, national and international levels.
Ms. Bibbs served as the first African American and first female State Personnel Director for the State of Michigan , implementing the policies of the State Civil Service Commission for up to 70,000 employees in the classified workforce. She managed a budget of $30 million and directed a staff of up to 300 employees in all areas of recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, personnel rules, labor relations, and benefits. Her tenure was marked by the promotion of excellence with a focus on quality customer oriented public service.
Ms. Bibbs’ contributions to the field of human resources includes experience consulting in the Virgin Islands, the State of Minnesota Legislative Service, the State of Oklahoma, the Flint Civil Service Commission, and advising employer and union officials in Durban, South Africa .
Ms. Bibbs was elected by her peers to serve an unprecedented two terms as President of the National Association of State Personnel Executives. In that capacity she represented Personnel Executives nationwide on the National Council of State Governments.
Ms. Bibbs served on the Secretary of Labor’s Task Force on excellence in State and Local Government through Labor Management Cooperation.
She also served as Chair of the State Employees Retirement Board and was a member of the Women’s Commission where she chaired a committee researching Women on Corporate Boards. MS. Bibbs served as a Cabinet member under two Governors.
Her community service extends to other Boards in the community including the Physicians Health Plan of Mid- Michigan, chairing the Quality Committee of the Board and Capital Area United Way serving on the Volunteer Development Committee. Ms. Bibbs currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Black Child and family Institute . Ms. Bibbs is known for her tireless, passionate advocacy and fundraising for children and families. Under her leadership, the Magic Johnson Computer Lab was created. Financial Literacy with FreddieMac and other partners was offered to families served by BCFI. She serves as a Community Fellow with the MSU Outreach and engagement Center.
Previous community activities include Chair of Ele’s Place(A Center for grieving children) Board, YMCA Board member. MSU Kaliedoscope advisory committee and serving on the National Alumni Board of Michigan State University.
She has been the recipient of numerous professional and community awards including among others, the prestigious Crystal Apple Award, Diana Award, the (NASPE) National Rooney Award for Leadership, the MSU College of Social Science Outstanding Alumni of the Year, Leadership Award in Disability Management ,the National Women in Public Administration Joan Fiss Bishop Women’s Hall of Fame Award In the Year 2000, and was also named one of 100 People of the Millennium by the Lansing State Journal.
She was named 2010 Woman of the Year by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Ms Bibbs is an active member of the Lansing/East Lansing Links, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority- Delta Tau Omega Chapter serving as Protocol Chair and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. She serves as Ministry Leader for the Seasoned Saints Singers.
Ms. Bibbs received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and has completed coursework for a Master’s degree from Michigan State University. She also completed Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Additionally, she received training in strategic uses of technology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Ms. Bibbs is married to Jim Bibbs , MSU Track Coach Emeritus . Together they participate in many community events and projects. Their appearance as Grand Marshalls in the African American Parade in 2009 was a tribute to the impact they have had together as role models for many couples and young people in the community. They are frequent guests at LCC’s Diversity on the Workplace class sharing their experiences and knowledge with community college students. They each received the A. Phillip Randolph Unsung Heroes Award at the same ceremony in recognition of their individual and joint contributions to the quality of life in the Greater Lansing community. Their presence at various sports, performing arts, or religious events is an inspiration to all who interact with them. They are both constantly encouraging, hugging and sharing with others.
She is mother of five children and is surrogate mother of an additional seven children, has numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
