Brian is a national thought leader with over 30 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit research and public policy fields. He is a subject matter expert in health equity, focusing on mitigating the health impacts of and dismantling racism at structural levels (e.g., residential segregation) and institutional levels (e.g., within health care systems). He has extensive experience working with a national network of community leaders advancing health equity through research, policy analysis, and advocacy (i.e., Place Matters), and assisting consensus panels on health equity topics (e.g., National Academy of Medicine [formerly the Institute of Medicine] reports on racial and ethnic healthcare disparities, health promotion/disease prevention, and enhancing diversity in the health professions). Brian’s strong fundraising history has led to approximately $40 million in grants and cooperative agreements over the course of 25+ years to support work in various research, policy, and advocacy settings.
Brian is a true difference-maker. He has been and continues to be an outspoken and passionate advocate for health equity. His work to eliminate racial inequities in health outcomes has made a difference in the lives of thousands of people, extending their life expectancy and improving their quality of life, and his leadership has inspired many others to become strong advocates for health equity.
“Brian has provided pivotal and strategic leadership for the Health Equity movement as it evolved over the decades, from documenting health disparities in the 1990s to identifying policy interventions in 2017. His contribution to the now classic work, Unequal Treatment, to his stewardship of the then Place Matters National Community of Leaders, to his brilliant co-design and leadership of the Culture of Health Leaders, Brian’s unwavering commitment and dedication are unmatched. His vision and launch of the initiatives that matter will continue to shape and define the movement for years. His heart and brilliance will continue to be felt. All roads will lead him and the movement to success: HEALTH EQUITY FOR ALL.”
Dr. Gail C. Christopher, DN, Former Vice President of WKKF Kellogg Foundation and Executive Director of National Collaborative for Health Equity
“Throughout my years of knowing Brian, I have noted how often his masterful instincts lead him to intriguing research questions. He follows the literature closely but also harbors a curiosity about how research could be reframed to answer critical policy questions. I witnessed his skills as a team leader, warm personal interrelationships with partners, respect for local voice, and deep understanding of the social issues and history confronting people of color in diverse localities.”
Steven H. Woolf, MD, MPH Director Emeritus and Senior Advisor, Center on Society and Health Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Distinguished Chair in Population Health and Health Equity Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Services
Author & Publication Writer
Brian is an author and contributor to dozens of national publications, including the new book Unequal Health: Anti-Black Racism and the Threat to America’s Health, along with co-authors Drs. Lou Penner, John Dovidio, and Nao Hagiwara, being published in the Fall of 2023 by Cambridge University Press. Brian has also provided writing assistance to projects such as the Pfizer Multicultural Health Equity Collective’s Health Equity in Action: An Action Guide to Disrupt Inequitable Health Outcomes, as well as other publications on structural and institutional forms of racism and their impact on the health and well-being of people of color.
Grant Writer
Brian has a proven track record in writing and developing concept papers and proposals that have resulted in over $40 million in grant funding from non-profit and government sources.
Beyond writing and development, Brian also provides valuable support throughout the entire grant application process. He offers guidance in budget development and provides strategic advice on building strong partnerships and collaborations to enhance the proposal’s competitiveness.
Speaker & Facilitation
Brian is a national thought leader, moderator and subject matter expert on issues such as housing and school segregation and health, healthcare inequities, and health workforce diversity.
Whether speaking at conferences, universities, or community events, Brian’s presentations leave a lasting impression. His thought leadership and expertise help organizations and communities gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and inspire them to work towards creating equitable and inclusive solutions.
Contact Brian for Services
Please submit the form to request more information about Brian and/or to request consultation services, fees, and availability. You can also reach us via email:
Brian D. Smedley, Ph.D. 