Michael R. Weinholtz '87 brings nearly four decades of entrepreneurial, executive and civic leadership experience to the Canisius University Board of Trustees. The retired executive chairman of CHG Healthcare Services, Weinholtz helped transform the company from a physician staffing firm with approximately $100 million in annual revenue into one of the nation's largest healthcare staffing organizations, generating nearly $2 billion in annual revenue and employing more than 3,500 people nationwide.
Today, Weinholtz is focused on giving back through board service and community leadership. His civic involvement has included leadership roles with organizations such as the United Way of Salt Lake, the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Human Rights Campaign and numerous educational and nonprofit organizations. In 2016, he was the Democratic nominee for governor of Utah.
Now, the Canisius management alumnus is looking forward to giving back to the university that helped shape his career and leadership philosophy. "I am thrilled to be joining the Board of Trustees," said Weinholtz. "I am at a place in my life where I'm focused on giving back, so I'm excited to serve on the board as a way to give back to Canisius for the education and foundation that was provided to me by my experiences at the university."
Throughout his career, Weinholtz built organizations around a people-first culture rooted in servant leadership—an approach he believes aligns naturally with the values of Jesuit education. He hopes to bring that perspective to the board as Canisius continues to invest in its students and strengthen the university's future.
"My companies' people-first culture worked best because we adopted Servant Leadership as our leadership philosophy to support and grow our people," he said. "Business author Ken Blanchard described Servant Leadership this way: 'Before you enter a leadership position, your focus is on developing yourself. Once you are in a leadership position, your focus is on developing and supporting your people.' I think Servant Leadership already reflects Jesuit and Canisius values, so I'm looking forward to continuing and enhancing this philosophy with the board and the university."
Weinholtz believes Canisius is well positioned for the future and looks forward to contributing his leadership experience as the university continues to advance its mission and strategic priorities. “I am most excited about Canisius' future under President Stoute's outstanding leadership,” he said. "He is both a servant leader and a caring visionary who continually focuses on improving the university and the student experience."
