Michelle Patterson

Michelle Patterson is a sharp brand architect and communications executive with over 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications. She is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at McLane Company Inc., one of the largest distributors in America, where she shapes the company’s brand presence, voice and vision, leads go-to-market strategies for new innovations and manages internal and external communications. Her finely tuned instincts, bold ideas and entrepreneurial approach are steadily ushering the distribution and logistics giant into the future.
Prior to joining McLane, Michelle co-founded ShakeWell Creative, a strategic marketing agency based in Austin, Texas. For seventeen years she led the agency as CEO with a focus on positioning Fortune 500, medium-sized, and non-profit companies for long-term growth. Michelle remains on the board of the agency and provides strategic guidance to the leadership team. She’s the Board Chair for the Pangea Network, an international nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through proven education and empowerment programs. Her passion for advancing women in leadership positions continues in her work as a founding board member of CSW, which formed in 2023 to drive positive change in the convenience industry.
When not in the board room or at the office, Michelle enjoys challenging hikes, long runs, birdwatching, devouring podcasts and books, and spending quality time with her husband,
John and Boston Terrier rescue, Max. She resides in Austin is a proud graduate of the University of Texas.