Staff Spotlight: Meredith Brown.

Collaborative work is key to developing sustainable public health solutions and improving population health outcomes. This weekly series spotlights one SPH staff member who advances public health through collaborations within the field and across sectors.

Can you describe your main responsibilities and priorities as assistant director of strategic initiatives in the Office of the Dean?

I feel very fortunate that in my role no two days are the same. One of my primary responsibilities is overseeing our Signature Programs and Community Events, which I thoroughly enjoy putting together because I get to learn about new areas of public health, meet leaders in the field, and work with my tremendous colleagues across the school. Some of my other responsibilities include coordinating search committees, maintaining our email database, and supporting Dean Cozier with Diversity and Inclusion, just to name a few. I self-describe as a utility player in the Dean’s Office (forgive the softball term—I was a collegiate pitcher!). If a new need for the school and our community emerges, I get excited to provide support and add a new project to my to-do list.

Can you share how collaboration is integral to your role, and what are one or two collaborations that are most meaningful to you?

Something I really value about my job is that I get to collaborate often, particularly through managing our Signature Programs. It is a constant inspiration to hear what folks are working on, and I consider it a privilege that in my role I get to help provide a platform for our community through these programs. One of my favorite collaborations was working with the Activist Lab on our Dean’s Symposium, “400 Years of Inequality: Breaking the Cycle of Systemic Racism.” I also enjoy working with people around BU, like WBUR City Space and the Initiative on Cities, who are always great partners.

What do you enjoy most about your role, and what are you looking forward to in the 2020-2021 school year?

I really enjoy event days in my role. Most of our events we plan about a year in advance, but some of our programs we put together in just days to respond to community needs. Either way there is a great deal of work, planning, and care that goes into each program. Events can be insanely hectic (which I actually enjoy), despite our advance planning—there could be a problem with registration, a delayed caterer, a missing speaker, etc… The absolute best feeling is the minute after a program ends when calmness sinks in. But then, of course, I get a bit sad it’s over.

I look forward to continuing to innovate and learn this coming year. The pandemic pushed us to online programming in a matter of days, and it has been a steep learning curve. I’m grateful for this because this shift has allowed us to reach more people and be more responsive to the world around us.

“Meredith recently wrote in an email: “Why settle for average when excellence is attainable?” She lives that motto, and I respect her much for it. Through the transitions and changes we have faced in the last year, Meredith has been a positive, stable support through all. Meredith has helped the School to transition seamlessly to digital programming, has learned new and critical skills to address needs in the Dean’s Office, and is always willing to pause to catch up with coworkers and share stories, like the adventures of her sister’s guinea pig Basil. She is a true team player; she leads with example and cares for the community, aiming always to bring out the best in others.”

Catherine Ettman, chief of staff and director of strategic initiatives in the Office of the Dean