Michele Dial is a lifelong educator, community leader, and current Vice Mayor of Lakeland who has dedicated more than three decades to serving families across Shelby County.
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Raised in a hardworking Arkansas family with deep roots in education and small business, Michele learned early the values of responsibility, independence, and service. She brought those values with her to Memphis in the 1980s, where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of Memphis and began what would become a 35+ year career in public education.
Today, Michele serves as an Assistant Principal at Bon Lin Elementary, where she works daily with students, teachers, and families. Her experience in the classroom and in school leadership gives her a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our community—from education and public safety to responsible growth.
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In addition to her work in education, Michele has been a trusted leader in Lakeland city government. As Vice Mayor and a city commissioner, she has built a reputation for collaboration, transparency, and getting results. She founded a Community Advisory Board to bring residents into the decision-making process and has worked closely with Parks & Recreation to preserve the quality of life that makes our communities strong.
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Michele is running for County Commission to bring that same steady, solutions-focused leadership to a broader stage. Her approach is grounded in three core principles:
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Relationships – Bringing together Bartlett, Lakeland, and Shelby County to ensure every community has a strong voice
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Responsibility – Applying fiscal discipline to protect taxpayer dollars and prioritize what matters most
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Results – Focusing on real outcomes in public safety, education, infrastructure, and economic growth
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For Michele, public service has never been about politics—it’s about people. Whether in the classroom, at City Hall, or in the community, she has spent her career showing up, doing the work, and putting families first.
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Now, she’s ready to take that experience and commitment to the Shelby County Commission—working to keep District 3 a safe, strong, and thriving place to live.