Consultants

Full-Spectrum Leadership

Deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities per market, we are equipped to deliver tailored solutions that address the evolving needs of our clients.

Markets

Childrens' Hospitals

Healthcare

Social Impact & Nonprofits

Solutions

Executive Search

Specializations

C-Suite & Board

Michelle Johnson

Senior Partner

Los Angeles CA USA

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Based in Los Angeles, Michelle Johnson has 25 years of experience as a strategic advisor to the healthcare industry. She conducts senior-level executive search assignments for community-based hospitals and health systems, academic medical centers, and other healthcare organizations. In addition, her expertise includes organizational design, executive compensation, succession planning, and governance best practices.

Prior to joining WittKieffer, Michelle was a Principal with the executive workforce practice of SullivanCotter. During that time, she 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 a national consulting firm specializing in executive compensation in the healthcare industry.

Michelle speaks at industry conferences and events and has appeared in several healthcare publications, including ACHE’s Journal of Healthcare Management and the AHA’s Center for Healthcare Governance Monograph Series. She is a regular contributor to Modern Healthcare’s annual article on leadership talent and compensation trends.

Clients consistently praise Michelle for her strategic perspective, process expertise, and trusted partnership. Known for her exceptional organization, responsiveness, and deep understanding of leadership markets and trends, Michelle helps clients navigate complex searches with confidence and clarity. Her ability to balance insightful counsel with discretion and professionalism has earned her a reputation as a skilled advisor who delivers an efficient, collaborative, and successful search experience.

Michelle is a member of WittKieffer’s Board of Directors and chairs its Compensation Committee. Outside of work, she supports the healthcare industry through two additional board appointments: for CentraCare, a $2 billion regional health system in Minnesota, and Partners in Care Foundation, a community-based organization in Los Angeles that bridges healthcare and social services for vulnerable populations.

Michelle is an active member of ACHE and HiPower, a network of women leaders on a journey from success to significance. Through this network, Michelle identified the following personal platform defining what she wants to be known for: making everyone’s day a bit brighter or their life a bit lighter.

Distinctions

Member, WittKieffer Board of Directors

Member, WittKieffer Diversity Council

Education

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

eCornell Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion

Expertise

Presidents/CEOs

Operations

Strategy/Innovation

Finance

Human Resources

Clinical Leadership

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Publications