Business Address: 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705
Phone: 608-230-4250
Email: michelle.godfrey@oakwoodvillage.net
Website: www.oakwoodvillage.net
Birthplace: Lancaster, Wis.
Spouse/Partner: Mike Godfrey
Organizations: LeadingAge Leadership Academy Fellow, 2013; Green County Animal Auction Committee
Education: Bachelor of Science in fitness management, Carroll University; MBA in health care administration, University of Phoenix
How long have you been at Oakwood, Michelle, and what is your day-to-day role in the organization?
I have been at Oakwood Village for eight years. My current role is the executive director of the University Woods campus, which serves 600 residents in a continuum-care community. My day-to-day role is varied, with responsibilities including oversight of the daily operations, resident relations, and ensuring quality of life and exceptional care for the people we serve.
Who outside the organization has influenced your career the most, and in what way? Michael Rock, who was the administrator at Ingle Living Communities in Mount Horeb, has had a big impact on my career. I worked there prior to coming to Oakwood, and he helped to challenge me and supported my goals of achieving more in the health care field.
I also have been blessed with a great family. My parents, Ken and Monica Hodgson, raised me with a value and belief system to serve others and create better situations for those around me. And my husband is not only supportive but encourages and enables me to be who I am.
We like getting to know the people behind the title. Anything else you’d like to add about your husband or family life?
My husband, Mike, and I have been married 16 years. He works at Mexican Cheese Producers in Darlington, Wis. as a quality control supervisor. We have four children – Morgan, 13; Miken, 10; Maggie, 9; and Max, 6. We are a very active family engaged in sports of all kinds, often chauffeuring the kids and/or coaching them in basketball, softball, baseball, volleyball, etc.
When you were Morgan’s age, what were your career aspirations?
I thought I wanted to teach physical education.
And your very first paycheck: from where, and what did you do with it?
Swiss Valley Apple Orchard, New Glarus, Wis. I put it in savings for college.
Back to the professional Michelle, now a successful leader. What has been a career high point?
Obtaining my nursing home administrator license. However, I’d also say that it is an awesome feeling solidifying an exceptional leadership team and beginning to see the results of that team shape the lives of the staff and residents in a positive way.
What is a long-range goal that you’d like to achieve?
I’d love to be able to be a part of creating a better-coordinated communication system in health care focusing on the individual instead of the “majority,” where the goal of the person is respected and embraced and resources are available to achieve it. Personally, I’d like to lead an organization where every person who is a stakeholder feels respect and value, and enjoys each day to the fullest.
What do you do “beyond the office” that brings you happiness or relaxation?
I enjoy being with my kids and husband at home doing normal things – baking, cleaning, hanging out as a family. I have great friends that I like to spend time with. I also enjoy going to movies, shopping, golfing, and when able, creating scrapbooks for my family. I love being able to have time once in a while to have quiet – a bubble bath, book, and glass of wine.
Any volunteer activities enjoyed?
I teach Sunday school and serve as a project leader in my children’s 4-H Club. This allows me to engage with my kids and their friends in things that I enjoyed when I was a kid.
What is your favorite place to travel and why?
On a regular basis, I would say St. Louis area. Our family goes one or two times per year to see my brother and his family. There is much to do there, and we always have a good time. I love to travel, though, so when an opportunity presents itself, I’m usually open to it.
Do you read for pleasure?
I do like to read for pleasure, but find the moments few and far between.
Have a favorite author or genre?
I enjoy reading Nicholas Sparks and Elin Hildebrand.
If you were to describe a character or a person you’d like to emulate, who would that be, and what would you say?
I’d say Amelia Earhart. She was purposeful and adventurous, a goal-setter and dreamer of what could be.
Those are wonderful word descriptors! Can you now think of more words – three, to be precise – that you’d use to describe Michelle Godfrey?
Motivating, dynamic, trustworthy.
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