Michelle Stilwell

Michelle Stilwell, BSc, PLY

Parksville, BC

Michelle Stilwell is a six-time Paralympic gold medallist, nine-time world champion and multiple world record holder who has channelled her focus, energy and persistence to achieve exceptional results as a business and community leader and board director.

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Stilwell has excelled in politics and business having been elected for two terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia (2013 to 2020). Michelle served as Minister for Social Development and Social Innovation (2015 to 2017), leading the second-largest portfolio for the BC government with 4,000 staff across 30 offices and a $3.2 billion budget. Among her accomplishments in this role, she brought together key business leaders from many of the province’s largest corporations to champion more accessible, inclusive workplaces.

During COVID, she spearheaded the setup and operations of the first rapid testing clinic at the Vancouver airport, maneuvering through government processes and meeting aggressive timelines. Her efforts generated almost $2 million in revenue in the first quarter. For 15 years, she also oversaw all operational aspects of an international public speaking company that delivered engaging motivational talks for audiences of up to 30,000, including content, marketing, scheduling and finance.

Michelle is an active member of multiple national and international boards. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, resource allocation, financial planning and reporting, government relations, diversity and inclusion, process improvements, change management, corporate governance, risk management, talent development and leadership, communications and media relations, and crisis management.

Additionally, she is a multiple award winner and has been inducted into the BC and Manitoba Sports Halls of Fame and the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame.

Michelle became a quadriplegic after a fall as a teenager. She uses a wheelchair.

Board Memberships and Committee Experience

  • Director, Own the Podium (2023 – Present)
  • Director, Gitxsan Development Corporation (2022 – Present)
  • Director, Canadian Paralympic Committee (2022 – Present)
  • President, Microboard (2020 – Present)
  • Selection Committee, Athletics Canada National Team Committee (2020 – Present)
  • Induction Selection Panel, BC Sports Hall of Fame (2019 – Present)
  • Community Development Program Grant Panellist, Canadian Tire Jumpstart (2019 – 2022)
  • Finance Audit Committee, International Paralympic Committee (2018 – 2022)
  • Board Member, Wheelchair Race Series (2009 – 2013)
  • Board Member, BC Wheelchair Basketball Society (2004 – 2009)
  • Committee Member – Wheels in Motion, Rick Hansen Foundation (2003 – 2013)

Education and Credentials

  • B.Sc., University of Calgary (1997)

Posted: May 2, 2024