Michael Vega | HR Executive in Recovery | Founder, Head Up Services

Michael Vega is a seasoned Human Resources and Recruitment leader with nearly 20 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, crisis, and change. As a former Director of HR for a national company, he led multi-state teams, built compliant and compassionate workplace systems, and helped shape the employee experience for thousands of workers across the country.

​

Throughout his career, Michael was known for his strategic insight, people-first leadership, and ability to navigate the most complex workplace challenges—from talent strategy to crisis response. But behind the accolades, he was quietly battling a growing addiction to alcohol. That battle eventually cost him everything: his role, his reputation, and the life he had built.

​

What followed was not the end, but a beginning.

​

Through recovery, Michael gained more than sobriety—he found perspective, purpose, and a renewed kind of leadership rooted in empathy and resilience. Drawing from both his corporate experience and personal journey, he launched Head Up Services: a coaching and consulting firm supporting individuals in recovery and helping employers create recovery-informed, second-chance workplace solutions.

​

Michael brings both lived experience and deep HR expertise to the table. He knows what it’s like to lead at the highest levels—and what it feels like to start over. His mission now is simple: to help others rebuild their futures with structure, support, and their head up