Elizabeth Burke Bryant

Elizabeth Burke Bryant is a Professor of the Practice of Health Services, Policy & Practice at Brown University School of Public Health, affiliated with the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute. Her work focuses on closing health disparities through policy advocacy and systems change, particularly in maternal/child health equity and family mental health. She holds a JD from George Washington University Law School (1985) and BA from University of Vermont (1979).

• Former Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT (1994–2022)
• Co-Chair, Partnership for America’s Children
• Advisor, National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

Her advocacy has driven major state policy successes including universal pre-K, full-day kindergarten, childhood lead poisoning reduction, and criminal justice reform for juveniles. Recipient of over a dozen prestigious awards including USA TODAY’s 2023 Rhode Island Woman of the Year and honorary doctorate from Rhode Island College.

Teaches public policy advocacy strategies in Brown’s MPA program, emphasizing strategic communication for systemic change. Served as Director of Policy and Housing Court Prosecutor in Providence, and advisor to the Women’s Prison Mentoring Program.