A Legacy of Impact: Mikhail Shneyder Passes the Torch to Dr. Mary Bittner
Built on a dream and fueled by the mission to empower others through opportunity and access, Mikhail Shneyder, DNEd (hc), MBA, RN, has served as the President of the Board of Directors of Nightingale Foundation since its inception in August 2022. Throughout his tenure, Mikahil has been an invaluable asset to the formation, steady growth, and accomplishments of the Foundation.
Over the years, Mikhail has been a pivotal asset to Nightingale Foundation. As one of the Foundation’s founding members, Mikahil helped to develop the Foundation’s mission, vision, and focus, championed the board of directors, oversaw the development of the Foundation’s infrastructure, and established the Shneyder & Kirk Reaching the Impossible Scholarship Fund, which supports Nightingale Learners who have successfully completed remedial coursework required to matriculate into the pre-licensure BSN program. Through his work, Mikhail has opened pathways for individuals to pursue a career in nursing and achieve their goals.
In May 2025, Mikhail announced that he would step down from his position as Board President to make way for new leadership. Thanks to his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication, Nightingale Foundation has had the opportunity to change countless lives. Although Mikhail is stepping back, his impact will continue to be felt, and we know he will remain close, cheering the Foundation on as a member of the Board of Directors. Thank you, Mikhail, for the energy and passion you have poured into the Foundation. Your investment in the future of nursing education is truly invaluable.
Following Mikhail’s tenure, Dr. Mary Bittner will serve as the new President of the Board of Directors of Nightingale Foundation. A nurse leader with 34 years of healthcare operations experience, Mary brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to our mission. She has led inpatient and outpatient services in both rural and urban settings, and after retiring from Nurse Executive Leadership in 2014, Mary worked with Caravan Health to support rural providers in the Accountable Care Organization model.
Mary believes that care coordination is essential to effective population health management and healthcare improvement. She remains actively engaged in the profession through the Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL), American Organization for Nurse Leaders (AONL), the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN), and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI). After serving nine years on Nightingale Education Group’s Board of Trustees, Mary values the opportunity to step into the role of Board President. “Supporting innovative and inclusive education that fosters growth for nursing students and adults who are returning to college is vital,” said Mary. “Contributing as a donor and investing in the future of nursing education has led to my desire to participate as a member of the Nightingale Foundation Board.”
As we mark this transition in leadership, the Foundation celebrates the visionary groundwork laid by Mikhail Shneyder and looks forward to the exciting future ahead under Dr. Mary Bittner’s guidance. Nightingale Foundation remains devoted to its vision of improving the nation’s health outcomes, health equity, and eliminating the nursing shortage, and has deep optimism for what lies ahead.