Meet Our Board Members: Kendall Brown

Name and Board Title

Kendall Brown, Board Member

Tell us a little bit about your background – personal and/or professional.

I have worked in the Health IT profession for 20+ years selling technologies to hospitals.  I have a 3-year-old cat named 'Luda Khat' and a loving boyfriend of 2 years.  I have lived in South Florida for 17 years and enjoy meeting new people and socializing. I graduated from Florida State University in 2000 in Tallahassee, FL.  The State Capitol always was of interest to me. As I grew professionally, I decided to utilize my people/sales skills to meet with Policymakers locally, federally and in Tallahassee to be a resource to them on things I cared about (i.e. mental health and AFSP).

What city do you call home?

Miami Beach

Where did you grow up?

Memphis, Tennessee

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Scuba Diving (Advanced and Nitrox certified), Yoga, Standup Paddle boarding, golf, dance, traveling and relaxing!

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

 I currently serve as South Florida HIMSS President. South Florida Chapter of HIMSS (Health Information Management System Society) is a  2000 member local South Florida organization focused on Health IT. South Florida Chapter of HIMSS is one of many chapters across the Globe and won Chapter of the Year, Advocate of the Year and Leader of the Year in 2019. http://sfl.himsschapter.org/sflhimss-board-directors. I have served on the board for 7 years and fulfill my Presidential term in June 2023.

Why did you become involved with AFSP-CFL?

I became involved with AFSP when my cousin, Dr. William Brown, died of suicide at the young age of 36 years old on May 24, 2015. I was seeking resources to assist me and my family with grievance and coping of Will's loss and became active with the Board.

What was your first introduction to AFSP?

I heard a radio ad for a local Out of Darkness Walk and it encouraged me to get involved as a way to cope with my grievances of the recent loss of my cousin who died of suicide.

Personal Favorites:

What is one of the most important things you would share with the community about AFSP?

People of all races, status, gender, etc. deal with mental health issues. It is our human right to help the community become aware of resources that assist with mental health and suicide.  Help advocate that You are not alone! Use AFSP resources to assist with coping with a recent loss and/or struggles within yourself. Many people do not know there are resources to assist them.

Anything else you’d like to share?

It makes me feel good to volunteer and help the community.  I can see real benefits when I speak with Students, Parents and general public/organizations about the workings of AFSP.  The monetary contributions earned by AFSP fundraisers fund resources to help those in need and coping with mental struggles and loss of loved ones.