Climbing the corporate ladder offers a unique perspective when you start at the bottom rung. Brian Charlier ‘81, ‘97 retired last year as CEO of HSHS St. Vincent Hospital after a decades-long career in healthcare.
His start? Washing pots and pans in Bellin Hospital’s kitchen. He had only two employers in his life, Bellin and HSHS/Prevea. Through education, loyalty, and leadership, Charlier rose to chief executive.
At his retirement party, Prevea honored him by establishing a scholarship for UW-Green Bay students in his name. It’s a legacy he is proud to leave.
A two-time UW-Green Bay graduate, Charlier earned a bachelor’s in Business Management in 1981 and a Master of Science in Administrative Science in 1997. At the time, UW-Green Bay had an unwarranted reputation as the backup for students who couldn’t get into Madison, Charlier said, “but the education was second to none, and I built relationships, and those relationships opened doors.”
Charlier’s career was defined by his dedication to mentorship. “When I finished high school, did I dream of being in healthcare my whole life?,” he recalled, “No, but I knew I wanted to lead people.”
“One of my proudest moments was mentoring a woman in housekeeping. She was in her 50s, only had a GED, but I recognized that she could be a good leader, but had never gotten the chance. I helped her grow, guided her. When I left as housekeeping director, she ended up replacing me.”
His passion for developing others continues through the Brian Charlier Scholarship. “Getting a scholarship, it takes somebody who may not have a chance and allows them to be able to further themselves and grow and develop,” said Charlier, “All they need is an opportunity.”
Charlier also gave back as a former member of the alumni advisory board, an opportunity to shape the university that he was proud to take on. “It was a real treat to be able to meet with some of the other folks that have graduated from GB and give a perspective of what’s going on in the community,” said Charlier.
In retirement, Charlier has his focus on his family, but plans to stay involved with scholarship recipients. “I hope to mentor them informally. If they have a question, I’m happy to take a call,” he said, “I do it because I love it.”.