Sarah Brownell Promoted to Health Strategic Growth Director

Sarah Brownell, FACHE, has been promoted to health strategic growth director at HDR. As part of the leadership team, Brownell will partner across the architecture and health practice to develop and execute market growth strategies by blending her expertise in strategy, insights, and business development for HDR's healthcare design practice. 

“With the rapid pace of innovation, unprecedented cost pressures, and growing competitive sophistication — leading in today's market is more challenging than ever,” Brownell said. “Yet, I'm excited to tackle these problems, find ways to think differently, and collaborate with the health leadership team to build on all the incredible work our firm is doing to advance our industry.”

“Through 20 years of experience, Sarah has developed an invaluable understanding of the healthcare industry and a skillset for creating effective growth strategies for market expansion and differentiation,” said HDR Global Director of Health Hank Adams, AIA, FACHA, EDAC. “I look forward to her impact as she works with our multidisciplinary teams to solve the pressing and complex issues where HDR is uniquely positioned to influence the future of healthcare.”

A major factor contributing to Brownell’s deep understanding of the industry is her tireless commitment to knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer mentorship and professional development, as is evident in the many professional organizations she serves. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a former board member and president of the southeast chapter of the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, an Education & Editorial Advisory Board committee member for SHSMD National and was recently nominated to the Women Business Leaders of the US Health Care Industry Foundation. 

Sarah hosts the Women in Leadership podcast series for SHSMD, exploring the lives and career paths taken by women in healthcare leadership roles.