Michele Michaelis has distinguished herself over three decades as a Managing Director at BDO Consulting Group, bringing deep expertise in restructuring, insolvency and financial advisory services. Her certifications as a CPA, CIRA, CTP and CFF underscore her skill in addressing complex financial and operational challenges.
Michaelis began her career in auditing, working with clients across retail, consumer products, textiles, manufacturing, jewelry, publishing and nonprofits. This foundation proved pivotal as she transitioned into restructuring, where her forensic approach became central to her work. Her ability to uncover insights into operations has influenced outcomes for clients in specialty finance and asset-based lending.
Her practice has focused on representing stakeholders — companies, debtors, lenders and unsecured creditors’ committees — in Chapter 11 proceedings, restructuring efforts and forensic evaluations. Michaelis’s talent for navigating complex financial landscapes has repeatedly led to successful outcomes, preserving value and maximizing recoveries.
One defining moment came during a large retail restructuring, where her advocacy secured substantial recoveries for over 100 secured, priority and administrative claimholders, and more than 750 unsecured creditors. This reflects her ability to create positive outcomes in highly complex scenarios.
Michaelis is also known for promoting diversity and inclusion in finance, particularly supporting women’s advancement. She actively advocates for equitable opportunities and ensures women are included in high-profile engagements, speaking roles and leadership positions. Through mentorship, she has helped foster a collaborative culture and paved the way for future professionals.
Her influence extends beyond client work through leadership roles in industry associations, including the Turnaround Management Association, American Bankruptcy Institute and International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation. These efforts have amplified her voice in promoting diversity and equity across specialty finance.
Michaelis’s career reflects a deep commitment to integrity, strategic insight and empowerment — leaving a lasting impact on the industry and future generations.
