Michael Shields ’80

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Strong faith and hard work. Upon earning his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UNC Charlotte in 1980, Michael Shields determined that those two principles would guide his life, even if it required him taking a lesser outcome personally.

“I have observed Mike make difficult decisions that were based not on his personal gain but on the interests of his organization,” says friend and colleague Christopher Grisanti. “He maintained both his integrity and his good nature, remaining, even at the worse times, reasonably good company, which is quite a feat [in the financial industry].”

As a student at UNC Charlotte, Michael was fully immersed in a variety of aspects of student life on campus. From excelling academically, to serving as a resident advisor, to serving on Student Legislature and Student Superior Court, to interning at Duke Power – now Duke Energy – he made the most of the opportunities that were afforded to him.

After beginning his career in Charlotte at North Carolina National Bank – now Bank of America – Michael left the Queen City to pursue opportunities on Wall Street. Learning from some of the best in the business, he found success as an equity portfolio manager and later became co-manager of the Quality Growth Team. He was promoted to President and CEO of Campbell, Cowperthwait, reporting to the Chairman of U.S Trust and serving as Chairman of Campbell’s Investment Policy Committee.

But after years of 70-80 hour work weeks, Michael decided it was time to realign his priorities, returning with his family to North Carolina. He worked two years for The Halftime Institute, an organization focused on helping mid-life professionals in creating a second-half life of joy, impact, and balance.

Upon returning to Charlotte, Michael wanted to offer his talents to causes bigger than himself. He has served on the Dowd YMCA board and is actively involved with the ministry Young Life.

Now President & CEO of Piedmont Trust Company, he returned to campus to serve on the UNC Charlotte Investment Fund (UNCCIF) Board, which oversees
the investment strategy of the UNC Charlotte Foundation, Charlotte 49ers Athletic Foundation, and UNC Charlotte Endowment Fund – touching nearly all aspects of the University. In January 2016, he assumed the chairmanship of the UNCCIF Board.

“[Mike] usually has a penetrating question for our advisers, and is often the voice of experience while others are gripped with fear that the roof is about to cave in,” says Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Niles Sorensen.

Adds former Trustee and Board member Russell Robinson, “Mike’s commitment of his time, energy, and leadership to UNC Charlotte has been as devoted, sustained, and beneficial as anyone could have provided.”