Michelle Reed, chief nursing officer at Atrium Health Lincoln, is an experienced nurse executive with a deep commitment to advancing the profession. With 20 years at Atrium Health, Michelle has long been recognized for her dedication to excellence in patient care and team development. But it was her recent participation in the AONL Nurse Executive Fellowship—a prestigious program for senior nurse leaders—that marked a transformative chapter in her career.
Being selected was both an honor and a milestone for Michelle, who saw the experience as an opportunity to grow, learn, and lead with renewed purpose. “Professionally, it represented a pivotal step in my growth as a nurse leader,” said Michelle. “I had the opportunity to learn alongside an inspiring group of peers, gain valuable insights, and sharpen the strategic skills needed to lead effectively in today’s complex health care environment.”
The fellowship—funded through the Atrium Health Nursing Fund—gave Michelle access to a national network of nurse executives, executive coaching, and hands-on leadership development experiences. One of the most memorable moments happened during AONL Advocacy Day, when Michelle traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and advocate for the nursing profession. “It was incredibly empowering to come together with fellow nurse leaders and use our collective voice to influence the future of health care,” she shared. “Standing there, speaking directly with policymakers, reminded me how important our role is—not just in hospitals, but in shaping the systems that support our patients and teams.”
Through the program, Michelle gained not only leadership tools, but a renewed energy and focus for her work. She describes the experience as “transformative,” helping her grow as a strategic thinker and deepen her understanding of what it means to lead with both vision and compassion. The mentorship she received and the lasting relationships she built with peers across the country continue to inform her work and inspire her leadership approach.
Michelle is quick to acknowledge that none of it would have been possible without the generosity of donors who support the Atrium Health Nursing Fund. “To be supported by philanthropy was both humbling and energizing,” she says. “It’s a powerful reminder that our work as nurses matters—that the community believes in us and wants to invest in our growth. Philanthropy in nursing is about more than funding—it’s about lifting each other up, creating opportunity, and building a future where nurses can lead, innovate, and deliver care with excellence.”
While Michelle has earned many accolades, one of her most meaningful moments came from a conversation with a former team member who approached her at a conference to say thank you. Years earlier, Michelle had encouraged her to pursue nursing school. That young woman is now a nurse—and stepping into a leadership role herself. It was a reminder to Michelle that leadership is not only about strategy and systems, but also about encouragement and support.
Michelle’s experience with the AONL Nurse Executive Fellowship has not only strengthened her as a leader but has also deepened her commitment to shaping the future of nursing. Through her journey, she exemplifies how investing in nursing professionals—through education, mentorship, and philanthropy—can elevate patient care, empower teams, and create lasting change in health care.
To learn more about the Atrium Health Nursing Fund and its impact on Atrium Health nurses throughout Greater Charlotte, visit: AtriumHealthFoundation.org/Nurses.