Jefferson Appoints Michael E. Sneed, MBA, as Chair of Board of Trustees Effective July 1, 2025

PHILADELPHIA — Thomas Jefferson University, which in addition to the University includes Jefferson Health and Jefferson Health Plans, has announced the appointment of Michael E. Sneed, MBA, to the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2025. Sneed has served as Vice-Chair of the Board since 2021.

“Michael is a seasoned global leader and trusted advisor with decades of experience navigating many aspects of the healthcare sector. His background in corporate affairs and his keen business acumen have contributed immensely to Jefferson’s growth and progress over the past few years. We are very excited to have him transition into the role of Chair next year,” said Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, MBA, CEO, Jefferson.

Sneed will be succeeding Patricia D. Wellenbach, who will step down after serving as the governing board’s first woman Chair since 2021.

“Michael and I have worked together for many years. I’ve witnessed his collaborative approach to leadership and resolute ability to navigate challenges and drive change. This is a pivotal time in the organization’s history. As I pass the baton, I am confident of his ability to lead the Board forward as Jefferson shapes its third century,” said Patricia D. Wellenbach, Chair, Board of Trustees.

During Wellenbach's historic tenure as Chair, she has guided Jefferson through a time of extraordinary transformation, which included governing during Jefferson’s pandemic challenges and recovery as well as leading the search for a new CEO in 2022. Wellenbach’s leadership has also been instrumental in the opening of the Honickman Center, and most recently, signing a definitive agreement for Jefferson and Lehigh Valley Health Network to combine.

“Chair Wellenbach is a remarkable leader and it has been an honor to work in tandem with her as Vice Chair,” said Michael Sneed. “This is an exciting time of extensive growth and opportunity. As I transition into the role of Chair, I look forward to partnering with fellow Board members, executive leadership and other stakeholders as we continue to advance Jefferson’s vision to reimagine health, higher education and discovery.”

Sneed is a renowned corporate leader with more than 38 years in the healthcare industry. He previously served as Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs and Chief Communication Officer of Johnson & Johnson until his retirement in 2022.

During his tenure there, he held numerous senior leadership roles, including as a member of the Executive Committee and Company Group Chairman of Vision Care Franchise and Consumer North America. As part of the executive leadership team, he also led the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Prior to Johnson & Johnson, he served in various capacities, including Vice President, Worldwide Consumer Pharmaceuticals to lead the company’s growth in the Asia Pacific, Eastern European, and Latin American regions.

Sneed currently serves on the board of several local and national organizations, including: Kenvue, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Wayfair and WHYY. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology from Macalester College and a Master of Business Administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.