Kate Brewer has a love for learning from other leaders. In fact, she said the adage “iron sharpens iron” comes to mind when she thinks about the opportunities. “Learning from other leaders’ achievements, struggles and journeys always gives me energy, inspiration and ideas,” she said.
Brewer has used this energy, inspiration and ideas to empower leaders on her team as the president and CEO of Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency. The agency provides physical, occupational and speech therapy services to senior communities, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and outpatient in home services.
“I love our company and I love that our therapy services make such a meaningful impact in so many people’s lives – from children to aging adults,” said Brewer. “I am committed to leading our teams so that we understand the great privilege we have to help others and work tirelessly to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and appreciated.”
As a second-year Titan, Brewer said that being a Titan requires a passion and energy that can be witnessed and felt by other team members. In fact, when she reflects on being a Titan, she often reflects back on her love of Greek mythology and Athena, the goddess of War, Wisdom and Strategy. “It is my responsibility to lead my company toward our true north – our missions and core values,” said Brewer.
This responsibility prompts Brewer to place high value on personal connections to team members. “We devote time and effort into getting to know them,” she said. “Learning about them and valuing them as people we are invested in and care about creates a sense of belonging as we rally around our purpose to deliver an exceptional experience to our patients, partners and team members.”
These efforts have led to the company’s recognition as a Top Workplace by the Journal Sentinel and a retention rate of 94 percent for the last two years. Brewer was also honored with the Marquette University Alumni Association College of Health Sciences Professional Achievement Award. She has also been appointed as Vice Chair of the Physical Therapy Examining Board.
“In the last year, my greatest lesson learned is that I need to be fiercely protective of our company’s culture,” said Brewer. “Having a leadership role does not mean taking everything on oneself – it means identifying the top performers and creating best practice resources so everyone can benefit.”
For her empowerment to others and influence in the healthcare industry, Brewer has been named a Titan for the second year in a row.
