A deep commitment to serving others is the common thread running through two new Broadway House hires—Admissions Director Sheila Word-Brown, CASAC, and Human Resources Manager Meg Columbia-Walsh. While Ms. Word-Brown and Ms. Columbia-Walsh followed very different career paths, compassion for those battling illnesses has been a guiding light in their professional and personal lives.
A native of Detroit, Ms. Word-Brown moved to Long Island, earning an associate degree in secretarial science from LaGuardia Community College and then a degree focused on alcoholism and substance abuse counseling from Molloy University. Despite her success, something was missing. “Early on, I realized that a paycheck alone was insufficient,” says Ms. Word-Brown, who is a credentialed counselor. “I sought a greater sense of reward, fulfillment, and desire to serve others and make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. This passion and love for humanity led me to the human services field, where I have maintained employment for the past 36 years.”
A New Jersey resident and healthcare technology entrepreneur, Ms. Columbia-Walsh has founded and sold five companies, including the first health site for consumers, CBSHealthwatch. She was inspired to join the Broadway House staff after a chance conversation with retiring President and CEO James Gonzalez, MPH, FACHE, LNHA, and incoming President and CEO Donnamarie Lynch, MBA, MHA, PhD. The meeting occurred at the 2024 NJBIZ ICON Awards ceremony, where Ms. Columbia-Walsh and Mr. Gonzalez were recognized for their career success. Ms. Columbia-Walsh recalls, “We discussed the experience I had with long-term care for my father and I wanted to help.”
Ms. Columbia-Walsh attended Rider University on a basketball scholarship, and later, Columbia University’s post-bac pre-med program. A proud mom of twins who are juniors in college, she is married to Patti and lives in Morristown. “I am looking forward to my role at Broadway House,” she adds. “I want to ensure that the staff continues to feel they have HR resources and support in their careers.”
In her new role, Ms. Word-Brown has pledged to support all employees, as well as Broadway House residents and their family members: “My objective is to establish an Admissions Department that fosters a familial atmosphere, treating each resident and family member with the utmost love, dignity, and respect to cultivate and promote collaboration with existing residents and potential new residents. In addition, I aim to effectively and efficiently oversee the department’s comprehensive operations, ensuring optimal outcomes while upholding the highest standards of excellence.”
Ms. Word-Brown continues, “The mission and goals at Broadway House align with my personal values and professional aspirations, confirming that I am in the right place at the right time. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my expertise, hard work, and commitment toward achieving our shared objectives.”
