Lookin’ at U – Kathleen Brandert

Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.
This week, we learn more about Kathleen “Katie” Brandert, workforce & leadership development manager, office of public health practice, College of Public Health.

• Name: Kathleen Brandert, but I go by Katie
• Hometown: Omaha
• No. of years at UNMC: Twelve and a half

Tell us a bit about what you do here at UNMC.

I am the director of a yearlong leadership institute (the Great Plains Public Health Leadership Institute), and I am manager of workforce development and leadership programs in the Office of Public Health Practice. My work is focused on helping people improve their leadership and management skill sets. I offer trainings on various leadership skills, am certified in a number of personal assessments, and I facilitate meetings for community groups. While my position is housed within the College of Public Health, much of my work is focused externally on the entire UNMC campus and on the public health/population health workforce in our state. I love my job!

Commitment to excellence is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group who were committed to excellence at UNMC.

One UNMC-wide effort that I believe exhibits excellence is the annual CultureFest. Each year, the planning committee takes the feedback and makes it better and better. The time and energy required to pull off something so large and so welcoming, and the volunteering that takes place to make the event go off without a hitch are to be commended!

What is your favorite fall activity?

I love when the hot, humid air of summer turns crisp and cool. Fall brings football (Go Huskers!), bonfires and the return of the after-dinner walk with my dog and family. But the activity I am looking forward to most this year is raking up the leaves and jumping into the pile with my toddler son!

List three things people may not know about you.

• I’m working on my Ph.D. in leadership studies.
• I love to crochet, but only in the winter.
• I’m working on developing a mindfulness meditation practice and would be interested in finding other companions on this journey.