Women Who Lead: Michelle Shain
Michelle Shain
Director of Philanthropy for Academic Services, Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center
When Michelle Shain's father died when she was 12, Michelle was amazed by her mother's sense of drive and perseverance as she entered the workplace and began supporting her family. It was something that stuck with Michelle and became a critical component of her own formula for success.
After graduating from the University of Tennessee and coming to Greenville 34 years ago, Michelle enjoyed a diverse career, working in promotions/advertising for The Greenville News, operating a retail wedding business, holding positions in a series of non-profit organizations, filling in for executive directorships, and owning a consulting business as well as earning a Masters degree from USC in Social Work. For the last year and a half, she has worked in philanthropy for GHS.
When you ask Michelle about her secret to success, she's quick to tell you that success comes from reliance on partnerships and positive collaboration. "The collective vision is so much stronger — you represent different points-of-view and walks of life in agreeing upon a complete solution."
Michelle was at the table for some of Greenville's most notable discussions, including iCar, Falls Park development, and the recruitment of Drive baseball, and says the spirit of teamwork made all the difference. She also credits the examples set by other community leaders, naming Anne Ellefson, Barbara League, Minor Shaw and Frank Holleman as a few examples.
Michelle hopes to see more diversity in Greenville going forward, as well as an increased awareness in talent attraction and retention in the area. "Potential employees want to know not only about the business environment but the lifestyle for their families. We must constantly strive to better promote every aspect of our quality of life here in Greenville."