Major at Florida International University: Management and International Business

Joseph E. Brown (BBA ’97)

Additional Education: Master’s in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University

Current Employment: Administrative officer for the United States Department of Defense

Here to There: Brown was in law enforcement while attending the university. After 9/11, he felt it was his calling to serve his country and make an impact on the world.

Current Job Responsibilities: Administrative officer with The Combat Support Arm of the Department of Defense. He works on numerous programs of high visibility and importance to the country’s national defense, including secured satellite communication systems and combat systems.

Awards and Certifications: Department of Defense COHORT Leadership Training Program from the Western Management Development Center; Executive Leadership Certification, Department of Defense Tomorrow’s Leaders Initiative; Department of Defense Level III Contracting Certification; and Certified Professional Public Buyer Certification.

Most Rewarding Mission: Activities that benefit American fighters on the battlefield.

Exciting Opportunity: Worked with four-time Space Shuttle Astronaut, Colonel Carl E. Walz.

The one word to describe him: A leader

Brown’s definition of a leader:
“There are three important characteristics to being a leader: Communication is essential; enthusiasm is necessary because it is contagious, and integrity is most important because a leader will need to walk the talk.”

His leading role model: Ron Gilbert, clinical professor, Department of Management and International Business, was a leader in the classroom. “His mentorship has served me well in my career. I still try to use many of the concepts he taught in my everyday work life. I volunteered for a six-month civilian deployment to Iraq as a contract administrator and, while there, put many of his concepts to good use.”