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Vanessa Briggs
A result driven public health systems-thinker and senior strategic leader, with proven business and organizational effectiveness acumen. Expert in social determinates of health in the philanthropic and nonprofit field.
Professional Background
Vanessa Briggs is a distinguished leader in the realm of public health and healthcare management, boasting over twenty-five years of progressive experience in senior management and executive roles. With a strong track record of growth and transformation, Vanessa has successfully led large-scale public health initiatives and healthcare organizations, deftly implementing strategic visions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also foster collaboration across various sectors. Her ability to act as a strategic thought partner has been instrumental in helping organizations achieve their mission and connect with the communities they serve.
Her career showcases a rich tapestry of leadership positions, including her current role as President and CEO at Brandywine Health Foundation, where she has been pivotal in promoting innovative grantmaking strategies and ensuring effective communication among programs, operations, and development. This role has solidified her reputation as a transformative leader, instrumental in bridging gaps in healthcare services and advancing community health initiatives.
Before stepping into her current leadership role, Vanessa served as Vice President of Community Health at Holy Cross Health, where she oversaw the implementation of community-focused health strategies designed to improve health outcomes. Her ability to work with high-performing teams has allowed her to spearhead initiatives that align community needs with health resources effectively.
Additionally, she has held the position of Managing Director of Health Promotion Services at the Public Health Management Corporation, where her leadership helped to amplify the organization’s impact on community health. Vanessa's early experiences shaped her into the community health advocate she is today, having served as Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director at Health Promotion Council Se Pa. In these roles, she worked tirelessly to promote health equity and access to services, demonstrating her commitment to advancing social, economic, and racial equity in health.
Vanessa's journey began in the clinical settings where she first honed her skills as Senior Regional Registered Dietitian at Wood Dining Services. This foundational experience in nutrition and dietetics enabled her to understand the intricate relationship between health and nutrition, further fueling her passion for community health and wellness.
Education and Achievements
Vanessa Briggs possesses a solid educational foundation that supports her extensive career. She studied for her MBA with a concentration in Health Administration at Eastern University, which has equipped her with the necessary skills in leadership, strategic decision-making, and operational management required to lead healthcare organizations effectively. Her academic background also includes a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Rowan University. This education in dietetics not only provided her with knowledge of nutrition but also instilled in her the importance of improving health from a grassroots, community perspective.
Over the years, Vanessa has received recognition for her efforts in advancing health equity and promoting community health initiatives. Under her leadership, organizations she has managed have achieved significant milestones in grant acquisition, program development, and community outreach. Her mastery in leading high-performing teams has resulted in improved health services, resource allocation, and community partnerships that thrive on shared objectives and mutual goals.
Achievements
- Brandywine Health Foundation Leadership: As President and CEO, Vanessa has successfully implemented innovative grantmaking strategies that have enabled the organization to fulfill its mission of improving health outcomes in the community.
- Community Health Initiatives: As Vice President of Community Health at Holy Cross Health, she played a critical role in developing programs that responded to community needs while advancing health equity.
- Health Promotion Services: During her tenure at Public Health Management Corporation, Vanessa spearheaded health promotion initiatives that significantly impacted community health, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex health systems and develop partnerships.
- Advocacy for Equity: Throughout her career, Vanessa has been a vocal advocate for social, economic, and health equity, making her a trusted leader in championing diverse community needs in health programs.
- Expertise in Communication: By leading high-performing teams, she has established effective channels of communication necessary for the alignment of programmatic and operational goals, ensuring that organizations she has led consistently deliver on their promise to the communities they serve.
