Small Town Values Guide Steve Brown’s Life and Career

The growth of the Mount Nittany Health system in the past few years has been astonishing.

Leading the organization though much of that growth has been Steve Brown, president and CEO.

It’s easy to see the results of Brown’s leadership and his approach to building and working closely with a comprehensive health care delivery team.

This year, the Renaissance Fund will celebrate Brown’s achievements by naming him Honoree of the Year for 2015. This annual award is presented to an individual, or couple, who has made a significant contribution to the Penn State and Centre County communities.

But what drives this jovial, gregarious man in his daily quest for excellence? What are his guiding principles, and how does he live them every day? It is clear, from the start, that Brown learned a great many lessons from his parents.

“Dad worked as a farm inspector and served as a local councilman in the Mechanicsburg area,” Brown began. “My parents taught me the values I have now. I was raised in a household where I learned the Golden Rule. Helping others, giving back to life was important.”

For Brown, the idea of helping people came to the forefront during Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

“It was dark, cold and raining hard. My dad felt a sense of responsibility to the community. What struck me was his telling me that there were people who needed help. And that’s what we did all night, in the middle of the storm. We helped people get through it.”

In addition to community service, Brown’s inner compass operates on a few simple ideals, all passed down from his parents.

“‘Always drive on the high road,’ my dad would say. ‘Always tell the truth. Never steal. If you’ll steal a nickel, you’ll steal a million.’”

Two men who served as mentors to Brown contributed significantly to shaping his career as a leader in the health care industry.

“Bill Corley was my first mentor at Hershey Medical Center,” said Brown. “He gave me a chance. Knox Singleton hired me at my first hospital in 1984. They were my personal heroes, two guys who believed in me. I couldn’t let them down. They have guided me throughout my career. I often ask, ‘What would Bill or Knox do?’”

He also learned from his first boss — his future wife, Mary, who was a physical therapist. He was her assistant.

While his personal time is limited and precious, Brown does find time to enjoy reading a good mystery. “My favorite author is James Patterson. I like reading novels. I enjoy good stories. They get me thinking in a different direction. I bought all the ‘Columbo’ shows to see if I could figure out who committed the crime.”

When it comes to music, Brown enjoys “real” country music as well as gentle, calm, music. “I like easy listening. Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra are favorites.”

While much of his time is taken up by his duties as president and CEO, Brown loves to spend time with his family. “My grandchildren are important to me. They make me smile,” he said. “I like to go antiquing with my wife, Mary. We also like to go for drives. My mom and dad used to do that after Sunday dinner.” Now, he and Mary travel what they call “The Loop,” taking Route 192 to Millheim, over the mountain and home.

One of his guilty pleasures? Reality TV. “I really like reality shows, like ‘The Great Race.’ I get to travel vicariously.” He also enjoys standard fare like “Hawaii Five-O” and “Blue Bloods.”

One thing he does not do — nor miss — is golf. “I gave it up,” he joked. Either that, or it gave him up.

Leaders with great vision, who understand strategic planning and the need for teamwork, often have concerns about, and hopes for, the future.

“I worry that we’re not teaching our children the values that we were taught,” he said. “We don’t celebrate what makes America great. No one is allowed to fail. And phones are taking away our children’s future ability to communicate. I also worry about world terrorism. Terribly worried about the bad guys. I’m concerned that negative influences will overrun the positive.”

On the other hand, he sees hopeful signs for the future.

“When I see people come together it renews my faith in people. There is still a lot of good in this world.”

As a final word, Brown wanted to be certain that the region understands that this Renaissance Fund honor is for his entire team at Mount Nittany Health.

“It’s not about me,” he said. “Everything I do is done for and with someone else. I’m a different thinker. I like to see things get done. I am more of a doer than a planner. And I like to involve my team in all decision-making.”

What does the future hold for Steve Brown?

“Next year will be my 40th in health care,” he said. “I have played all four quarters. I am not going to look for another game. I am very happy here.”