Our Spotlight series provides an opportunity to meet the remarkable individuals at HRchitect. Each month, we highlight a member of our team, allowing you to Our Spotlight series provides an opportunity to meet the remarkable individuals at HRchitect. Each month, we highlight a member of our team, allowing you to discover more about their unique contributions and get to know them a bit more on a personal level.
Learn all about Michael Branch, Senior Implementation Consultant, in this month’s Spotlight.
Michael Branch is a Senior Implementation Consultant at HRchitect with years of experience delivering innovative HR technology solutions. He brings a unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and humility to every project, from developing custom BI reports and integrations to managing core product implementations like open enrollment configurations. Outside of work, Michael is an avid reader, often cycling through multiple books at once, from fantasy novels to biographies, finding inspiration in a wide range of stories. His global perspective is shaped in part by his time living in Singapore, an experience that broadened both his professional and personal horizons. Known for his thoughtful approach, collaborative spirit, and quiet sense of humor, Michael thrives in an environment where autonomy is balanced with support, allowing him to deliver impactful solutions while working alongside talented colleagues.
Hometown: Statesboro, Georgia
Favorite restaurant: Tandoor and Tap in Statesboro, GA
Favorite song: Of all time “Big Money” by Rush, and currently “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan
Favorite motto or quote: “Man plans, God laughs”
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? In his free time, Michael can usually be found with a book (or seven!) in hand. He’s currently reading a mix of fantasy novels, biographies, and history books, often cycling between them depending on his mood. Michael especially enjoys the works of Jasper Fforde, Neal Stephenson, and Jack McDevitt, authors whose imaginative storytelling and science fiction worlds continually inspire him. Reading is his favorite way to unwind at the end of a busy day.
What is your title, and what do you do for HRchitect? Michael is a Senior Implementation Consultant at HRchitect, wearing multiple hats to support clients and internal teams. As one of the firm’s advanced BI resources, he develops custom BI reports and integrations alongside Cara Roberts’ technical team. In addition, Michael contributes to core product implementations, and phase 2 engagements such as open enrollment configuration projects. Essentially, he combines deep technical expertise with hands-on consulting to deliver tailored solutions for HRchitect clients.
What makes working at HRchitect so great? Michael values HRchitect for the respect, autonomy, and support he receives from leadership. He has a deep admiration for Laura Palulis and appreciates that management trusts employees to take ownership of their work without micromanagement, while still being readily available when guidance is needed. He also enjoys the flexibility the company offers, like summer Fridays, and the freedom to focus and deliver independently, which suits his “quiet, focused” work style perfectly.
What project or initiative have you worked on that you are most proud of? With a humble and grateful approach, Michael focuses on helping clients Go-Live successfully while collaborating closely with talented colleagues. He appreciates the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways and values the strong sense of teamwork at HRchitect. Working alongside skilled professionals like Michael Neubauer, Kevin Kirkbride, Eugene Baffoe, and Ricky Prieto, he enjoys being part of a team where support is always available, yet autonomy is encouraged. For Michael, it’s not about individual recognition; it’s about making an impact, delivering results, and growing alongside people he respects.
What’s been one of your favorite destinations to travel to for HRchitect? Michael’s client and conference travels often move at a whirlwind pace. On a recent trip to New Orleans, he barely had time to explore, catching glimpses of the city from an Uber, enjoying one unforgettable dinner, and fitting in quick meals between meetings. For Michael, the trips are all about the work, but he still values the small moments that allow him to experience a new city, even if only briefly.
Outside of work travel, what has been your favorite place to spend time? One of the most meaningful travel experiences came during a week when his boys were away at Walt Disney World with their in-laws. He and his wife used the time to visit his parents in Savannah, just an hour from Brunswick. Without the kids, the trip was more relaxed and “adult-ish,” filled with casual moments, good wine, and meaningful conversations. It became especially memorable as one of the last opportunities he had to fully spend time with his father before he began slipping into dementia, making it a deeply cherished and reflective experience.