MICHELE SAUNDERS

Michele Saunders joined Ziegler’s Senior Housing & Care Finance Practice in 2026 as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and senior living, Michele is responsible for expanding Ziegler’s industry relationships, developing strategic partnerships, and connecting senior living owners, operators, developers, and investors with the firm’s comprehensive investment banking and advisory solutions.

Throughout her career, Michele has held executive leadership positions spanning corporate development, growth strategy, sales, and strategic partnerships. Her experience includes working closely with senior living and healthcare organizations to identify growth opportunities, navigate industry challenges, and execute strategic initiatives. She brings a broad perspective shaped by her work across clinical services, healthcare technology, and senior living operations.

Prior to joining Ziegler, Michele served as Head of Growth at Meela, an emerging healthcare technology company, and Chief Growth Officer at Go Icon, a provider of engagement and communication technology for senior living. Previously, she spent more than a decade at HealthPRO Heritage as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, where she led business development initiatives and strategic relationships across the senior living and post-acute care sectors. Earlier in her career, Michele held leadership positions in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

With a clinical background in physical therapy, Michele brings a unique combination of clinical insight, commercial leadership, and industry expertise to her work. Her approach emphasizes understanding each organization's strategic priorities, building trusted relationships, and connecting clients with the expertise and capital solutions needed to support long-term success.

Michele attended Pennsylvania State University and Stony Brook University, where she pursued her education in physical therapy. She also serves as President of the Seherr-Thoss Foundations, a nonprofit organization supporting charitable initiatives in Connecticut.