Michelle Johnson is a Senior Partner with WittKieffer, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm developing impactful leadership teams for organizations that improve quality of life.

Michelle is based in Los Angeles and has dedicated her more than 20-year career to the healthcare industry, serving as a strategic advisor to hospitals and health systems across the country. In addition to her work in executive search, her expertise includes organizational design, performance management, retention strategies, succession planning and governance best practices.

Prior to joining WittKieffer, Michelle was a principal with the executive workforce practice of SullivanCotter in Minneapolis. In this role, she designed leadership strategies to identify top talent, nurture executive teams and position organizations for success in complex and dynamic healthcare environments. During her time with SullivanCotter, Michelle served in multiple leadership roles, including leading a practice area focused on pediatric and academic medicine and leading the firm’s Minneapolis office. Michelle began her career with Gallagher Integrated, specializing in healthcare compensation design.

Michelle speaks at industry conferences and events and is a notable author in healthcare publications. She was a featured author in the American College of Healthcare Executives' Journal of Healthcare Management and the American Hospital Association’s Center for Healthcare Governance Monograph Series. Michelle is an active member of ACHE and Women Business Leaders in Healthcare. She has completed the eCornell certificate program in Diversity and Inclusion, which focuses on improving employee engagement, counteracting unconscious bias and fostering an inclusive work climate.

Outside of work, Michelle supports the advancement of women professionals and leaders and has spoken at various community events, including Beauty and the Bias and the Kauffman Foundation's 1 Million Cups. She serves on the Board of CentraCare, a $2 billion regional health system in Central and Southwestern Minnesota and has previously served on the boards of Central Minnesota Sustainability Project and the Good Earth Food Co-op.

Education

B.A., Political Science, summa cum laude, College of St. Benedict | St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN

eCornell Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion