Michael Sneed, former CCO of Johnson & Johnson, named vice chair on Page Center advisory board

Michael Sneed has stepped into the vice chair position on the Page Center’s advisory board. He joined the board in 2024 after retiring as executive vice president of global corporate affairs and chief communication officer of Johnson & Johnson in 2022.

As he steps into the role, Sneed brings a values-driven leadership approach grounded in ethical decision making, open–mindedness and integrity, values that closely align with the Page Principles. In this role, he will help guide the Center’s strategic direction, research priorities and help advance the Center's mission to enhance ethics in public communication. The position has a one-year term and also holds a position on the Page Center’s executive committee. Sneed will serve with board member Gary Sheffer, who was named chair of the advisory board earlier this year.

As a communications leader, Sneed has navigated complex ethical decisions, often relying on core values for guidance.

“Values are your north star in those situations — they guide you when the answer isn’t obvious,” Sneed said regarding decisions in ethical gray areas. “Don’t shy away from bringing ethics into communications.”

In the current communications landscape, he believes that holding fast to one’s own values is extremely important.

“People have lost a lot of trust,” said Sneed. “They’re searching for places where they can find good information. The Page Center is a place where you’re going to find facts and well-researched answers.”

Maintaining this standard of reliability sets a person and a company apart. In order for the public to trust a company, Sneed prioritizes open communication, empathy and the ability to engage with differing perspectives without dismissing them among employees within an organization. This internal environment is an integral part of a trusted public perception.

“Keep an open mind,” said Sneed. “People can have perspectives that are just as legitimate as your own.”

Sneed recommends opening up the possibility that an opposing viewpoint could be correct in order to resolve conflicts and create a productive team. He views authentic relationships as one of the most vital parts of communication.

On March 23, Sneed participated in the ninth annual Page Center Awards. He said he was grateful that the event gave him the opportunity to interview honoree Hubert Joly, a longtime friend and colleague from his days at Johnson & Johnson. Joly, former chairman and CEO of Best Buy, was a member of the board of directors of Johnson & Johnson during Sneed’s time as an executive leader there. The two discussed Joly’s perspective on ethics in communications and his personal approach to effective leadership. Watch the full interview on The Page Center YouTube channel.

Sneed’s experience in communication leadership, technological innovation and ethical decision making will serve as guidance for the Page Center as he steps into the role of vice chair.

“It’s been wonderful having Michael on the board over the past few years, and we’re thrilled that he will be stepping into the vice chair role,” said Page Center Director Denise Bortree. “His insights into ethics in the industry and his experience at the highest levels of public communication are exactly what the Page Center needs to strengthen connections between our research and practice.”

The Center’s advisory board consists of 18 members that represent decades of leadership in education, business, journalism, non-profit and public relations. Throughout the year, advisory board members meet to offer insights and guidance that help the Center advance ethics and responsibility in public communication.