HIGH POINT, N.C., Oct. 31, 2024 – High Point University’s Elizabeth Miller Strickland Women’s Leadership Council has inducted two new members. They join 15 other women who are leaders in their industries and communities. These prominent women are committed to empowering the next generation of young, female professionals through leadership education.
“The Strickland Women’s Leadership Council continues to be an invaluable part of HPU’s community, inspiring our female undergraduate students through mentorship and leadership initiatives,” says High Point University President, Dr. Nido Qubein. “We are thrilled to welcome new members who bring diverse skills and experiences, further enriching the council’s impact. Their guidance helps shape the next generation of extraordinary women leaders who will carry this legacy forward.”
The new members of the council are as follows:
Saluemeh Companieh
Saluemeh “Sal” Companieh joined High Point University’s Strickland Women’s Leadership Council in 2024. She is the chief digital and information officer (CIO) for Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate service company. Companieh is a purposeful professional with a background in creating impactful global driven strategies through multi-discipline and sustainable implementations. She has over 20 years of consulting experience in process and technology transformation and has led Cushman & Wakefield through numerous acquisition integrations as well as implementations of global platforms. In 1999, Companieh graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with her Bachelor of Science in industrial distribution management. Earlier in her career she worked as an independent consultant at Covidien and held senior technology positions at IBM and Lindt & Sprüngli. In 2011 she joined Cushman & Wakefield as the vice president of global applications. Following her role as vice president, Companieh served as the chief information officer for the firm’s facility services business, C&W Services and as the chief information officer of corporate solutions, where she was responsible for building processes that collect, curate, and optimize firm data. In 2022, Companieh received a promotion to her current role where she is responsible for providing solutions that improve business operations, enhance client service, and drive company growth.
In addition to her work with HPU through the leadership council, Companieh volunteers as a strategic partnership mentor with T-200, an organization dedicated to fostering, celebrating, and advancing women’s leadership in tech. Companieh has also been recognized several times over the years for her leadership and work in the tech industry. In 2017 she was recognized by the Boston CIO Leadership Association as an Enterprise Finalist for the 2017 Boston CIO of the Year ORBIE Awards.
Companieh was selected through a peer review process and recognized for her work as an exceptional leader, who inspires innovation and vision, and motivates others to achieve their potential. More recently, she was named 2025 Influence in CRE Technology by GlobeST.com. This recognition celebrates individuals who have expertly navigated the intersection of tech trends and commercial real estate.
Teresa B. Caine
Teresa B. Caine joined High Point University’s Strickland Women’s Leadership Council in 2024. She is an esteemed business leader, philanthropist, and advocate for transformative impact. A resolute supporter of HPU, Teresa’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, has left a lasting mark on both the university and the broader community. Alongside her late husband, HPU alumnus from the class of 1965, Donald “Don” Caine, Teresa co-founded C & M Products in 1966, which later evolved into Camco Manufacturing, a globally recognized leader in manufacturing. What began with a solitary product—trailer plumbing antifreeze—has grown into a company that now produces more than 5,600 products with manufacturing facilities worldwide. Camco’s excellence and industry leadership have earned it multiple recognition as one of North Carolina’s Top 100 companies by Business North Carolina Magazine.
Teresa’s deep passion for horticulture played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Donald R. & Teresa B. Caine Conservatory, made possible through a multi-million-dollar philanthropic gift from Teresa and Don. The conservatory stands as a testament to their generosity and commitment to education, providing a dynamic space for students and faculty to engage in botanical research and hands-on learning. Featuring a classroom, a fully operational greenhouse, a lush planting display area, and The Butterfly Café, the conservatory enriches HPU’s academic environment and supports the continued growth of the Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Gardens.
In addition to her esteemed role on the Strickland Women’s Leadership Council, Teresa serves as a distinguished member of the High Point University Board of Trustees. In this capacity, she plays a vital role in shaping the university’s strategic vision, ensuring its continued growth and success.
As a trusted steward of the institution, Teresa is committed to upholding High Point University’s mission, advocating for its best interests, and contributing her leadership and expertise to initiatives that enhance academic experience, student success, and overall institutional excellence. As a trailblazing businesswoman and an enthusiastic advocate for philanthropy, Teresa B. Caine exemplifies the values of leadership, generosity, and commitment to making a meaningful impact. Her addition to the Strickland Women’s Leadership Council further strengthens HPU’s mission to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders.
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The Strickland Women’s Leadership Council was established in August 2020 as a part of Elizabeth Miller Strickland’s $12 million gift to High Point University. The council was founded on the principle that empowering women to be strong, independent leaders is an important life skill. As The Premier Life Skills University, HPU is committed to ensuring its female students are provided with the support, opportunities, and resources to learn strong leadership skills. The Strickland Women’s Leadership Council helps to fulfill that commitment with the development of seminars and programs by successful women who are leaders within their own communities and industries.