Michelle Gilliam Jordan is the Executive Director of the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) in Huntsville, Alabama – one of the fastest growing councils of governments in the state. Michelle has worked as an urban and regional Planner in North Alabama for more than 25 years, having served as the planning director for the City of Huntsville and the City of Decatur. Michelle is a proud graduate of Alabama A&M University, where she earned undergraduate and graduate degrees. She serves her alma mater on the Department of Community and Regional Planning Department Advisory Council and the Youth Motivation Task Force Advisory Council. The American Institute of Certified Planners College of Fellows (FAICP) inducted Michelle in 2020 for her contributions to the planning profession. She is a member of the American Planning Association, the Alabama Association of Regional Councils, and the DesignAlabama board of directors. Michelle is a dedicated community servant and enjoys giving back to her community through her active membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Michelle is married to Clayton Jordan, and they are the proud parents of daughter, Lauren Nicole.