HealthPartners
Woman of the Year

Megan Schmidt leads Priority Health’s commercial line of business that serve small and large companies across Michigan. In April, she accepted a new position leading health plan growth across five states for Health Partners, an integrated health system headquarters in Minnesota. She inspires and empowers her teams to think bigger, bolder and braver to make health care work better for everyone. Fueled by complexity and challenges, Megan found her place in health insurance about 20 years ago. Her areas of expertise include driving growth, leading through change, and creating strong client relationships. Her greatest achievements include leading amazing teams, raising two incredible young men, professional success and overcoming hardships, as well as being able to mentor and inspire women.

Her recent community involvement includes serving on the board of the American Cancer Society Leadership Council and the advisory board for Ferris State University’s Healthcare Administration program, as well as being co-chair of Inforum HealthcareNEXT West Michigan, among others. A pilot by training, Megan channels her fearlessness both at work and at home with her husband and two sons.

Megan says, “As women, we are often stuck in our own head, stuck in what others think of us, and stuck prioritizing what we truly want for ourselves. My advice is to recognize all of that, but believe we can rise above politics, what others think of us, and the fear of failure. We are all afraid of something, but that fear can make your world smaller and more limited. When you walk with the fear, that is where growth happens. When you’re afraid of what’s on the other side of your goal—whether failure or accomplishment—push through.”