Outstanding Women in Business 2025: Michelle Schneider, vice president and chief philanthropy officer, Cone Health

Business Journals

22-04-2025

MICHELLE SCHNEIDER
Vice president and chief philanthropy officer, Cone Health
Business address: 1200 N. Elm St., Greensboro
Education: BS, social work, and MPA, UNC-Greensboro
Where are you a native of? Chicago
Why selected: Schneider leads a team of 12 professional fundraisers who support the entire five-county Cone Health system reporting directly to Cone's CEO. Under her leadership, the organization launched its first comprehensive philanthropy campaign in 2022. The campaign has raised more than $28 million toward a $35 million goal to expand heart and vascular services across the system and fund critical programs like telehealth for Title I schools in three counties. She was a member of the advancement team at UNC-Greensboro and ended her tenure as the director for the Students First Campaign, which exceeded the university's original $78 million goal by $37 million. During her time as senior counsel for CapDev, Schneider helped more than 20 nonprofits raise millions of dollars while strengthening their fundraising programs to ensure long-term sustainability. She is a mentor in her profession, often speaking to nonprofits and their boards, and carries the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from the American College of Financial Services.
How did you get started in your career? As an undergraduate at UNCG studying social work, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at United Way of Greater Greensboro. In this capacity I learned about the important role nonprofit organizations play in identifying and studying the needs of individuals and families. I became keenly aware of the need for philanthropy to advance solutions in partnership with governments and institutions who could not do this alone. After attending several board meetings, I saw the important role volunteers and board members play in raising money and providing oversight to ensure nonprofit organizations operate efficiently and effectively. Before joining Cone Health in 2016, I worked for several United Way organizations, then spent 10 years at UNCG learning about transformational philanthropy and then seven years in fundraising consulting.
What are you passionate about? As a recent graduate of Cone Health's High Performing Leaders program, I was asked to define my personal stance. After a nearly 30-year career in this community I am passionate about building relationships that create solutions to make the world a better place. I truly believe working together we can overcome most of the problems that impact our community, state and nation.
Proudest achievement? My family has been very fortunate to find both personal and professional success in Greensboro. I have had a robust and fulfilling career working for institutions that significantly impact our community. My husband was the co-founder of several successful businesses and now my sons own their own business right here. We love living in Lindley Park and have made incredible friends here. I volunteer with several organizations that focus on strengthening public education. I am grateful for these opportunities and proud that we are individually and collectively making a difference in the community we love. When I moved here in 1987, I never imagined the life I would create here.
Next big professional goal? Over the last several years the Cone Health Philanthropy team has experienced significant success with unprecedented generosity from the community. We have recruited and retained a phenomenal team and we are building deep relationships with those that support Cone Health and partnerships with organizations that share our mission. I am committed to ensuring this work continues and I am working to make sure there is a strong team in place for decades to come. This includes mentoring newer teammates, creating increasingly more challenging opportunities for those on the rise and continuing to recruit the team we will need for the future. My goal is to create a culture of philanthropy at Cone Health that will stand the test of time.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I enjoy family dinners, spending time in the mountains, hiking, traveling, hanging out with neighborhood friends and spoiling my dogs Mogul and Luna. I love trying new things and great food!
Something that would surprise others? I started figure skating after the 1976 Olympics and wanted to be just like Dorothy Hamill.
Someone who fostered and influenced your growth? My grandmother was the most influential woman in my life. She taught me at a young age to be independent, to be prepared in any instance and how to overcome my fears. More importantly she helped me realize that each decision is just that, one decision; it does not define you. If something goes wrong, regroup, ask for help and start over. This has been valuable in both my personal and professional life; you just keep going.
How have you supported other women in career growth? Throughout my career, I have been blessed to be around women who lift each other up. I have amazing friendships and important work relationships that keep me grounded. I return this support by mentoring women, by making connections, by offering support and by lifting others with me. My current team is primarily women of all ages and we support one another's growth and development. We recently reorganized our team and I was able to promote three women. This has created new opportunities for them to lead, which will elevate them within our organization and in our profession.
Something unusual in your purse, briefcase, laptop bag or backpack? I have a small shell from the ocean I carrry; it reminds me that even things with cracks and holes can be beautiful and strong.
2025 Outstanding Women in Business Honorees