Michelle A. Schwandt, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Christina River Exchange, is also on the Board of Directors for NEWH Philadelphia Chapter, focusing on scholarship. NEWH is the premier networking resource for the hospitality industry, providing scholarships, education, leadership development, recognition of excellence, and business development opportunities.

Recently, Michelle was featured by the NEWH AC/Philadelphia. Continue reading the profile below to get to know our Co-Founder better!

Since the company’s opening in 2016, CRE has managed the FF&E procurement for sixteen hotel projects, and five commercial and multi-residential projects, nationwide.

Prior to the start-up of Christina River Exchange, Michelle spent over nine years at MBNA America. As a senior executive vice president and member of the Senior Operating Committee (SOC), Michelle managed several core business areas within divisions of business development, marketing, corporate education and customer satisfaction.

She spent nine years as on Active Duty (US Army) as both a chemical corps officer and aviation officer. She was rated as a UH-1H helicopter pilot and is a Gulf War veteran.

NEWH AC/Philly: What is your favorite interior design trend?

Turning waste product (paper and plastic) into sustainable material for use in both fashion and furniture.

NEWH AC/Philly: What is the best benefit of taking the lead of NEWH AC/Philadelphia?

This position has given me the opportunity to connect with so many educators, faculty, and students through our scholarship fund. It is a rewarding experience to know we are supporting students in design and hospitality industry to help them achieve their goals.

NEWH AC/Philly: Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I spent most of my childhood summers at Indian River Inlet in Delaware, and my favorite recreation activity has been fishing. I love the thrill of throwing my line in either the sea, pond, or ocean and see what I can pull up.