Michelle Johnson specializes in helping hospitals and health systems keep leadership strategies aligned with their mission, vision and values. A senior partner in WittKieffer’s Healthcare practice, Michelle has over 20 years of experience as a strategic advisor to the healthcare industry and is based in the Los Angeles area. She conducts senior-level executive search assignments for community-based health systems, academic medical centers, specialty hospitals, physician group practices and other healthcare organizations. In addition, 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, a national consulting firm specializing in executive compensation in the healthcare industry.
Michelle speaks at industry conferences and events and is a notable author in healthcare publications. Michelle 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. She is an active member of ACHE and Women Business Leaders in Healthcare. In addition, 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 is currently President of the Board of Good Earth Food Co-op.