ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
USF HEALTH
Icon Award Winner
A community connector and mentor making an impact
For more than three decades, Joanne Sullivan has been a force for positive change in Tampa Bay, bridging relationships between institutions and the community. As the assistant vice president for community engagement at USF Health, Sullivan plays a crucial role in connecting the university’s education, research and clinical care missions with the broader community. Her work extends beyond the walls of academia, fostering partnerships that strengthen Tampa Bay’s health care ecosystem and enhance opportunities for collaboration.
Her impact in the region, however, stretches far beyond her professional role. Sullivan’s deep commitment to community service is reflected in the numerous organizations she supports. She is a board member for the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and Red Cross Angels, a charter member of Feeding Tampa Bay’s WISH group and an active participant in USF’s Women in Leadership & Philanthropy. Additionally, she represents USF Health in the Tampa Downtown Partnership and the Tampa Medical and Research District, ensuring that health care remains a key pillar of the city’s growth and development.
A natural mentor and advocate for young professionals, Sullivan has dedicated significant time to guiding the next generation of leaders. Through her involvement with the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Emerging Leaders program, she has mentored women navigating career challenges, providing them with guidance, encouragement and professional opportunities.
Sullivan’s resilience and ability to adapt have defined her career. In 2015, when her job was unexpectedly eliminated, she turned adversity into opportunity by crafting a new role at USF Health—one that has since elevated her to a leadership position within the institution. Her experience taught her the importance of perseverance, a lesson she now imparts to others, particularly women striving to advance in their careers.
In recognition of her influence, Sullivan was honored with the prestigious Dottie Berger McKinnon Woman of Influence Award by the Tampa Bay Chamber, in 2024. It was a testament to the unique way she wields power—not through titles, but through the relationships she builds and the lives she impacts.