Staff Spotlight: Sean Greenlee

Sean Greenlee came to the Department of Medicine in February 2022 as the first program manager for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

“I look forward to learning from my colleagues and supporting the advancement of furthering equity, diversity and inclusion within the Department of Medicine,” he said.

“Creating an environment where everyone feels included and has a sense of belonging takes intentionality where we must continuously challenge the status quo.”

Background

Sean grew up in the Pacific Northwest, having strong ties to the University of Washington (his uncle is in the Husky Athletic Hall-of-Fame!) He attended Stanford University, majoring in international relations and participating in Navy ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) to help pay for his education.

After graduation, Sean entered the Navy and travelled all over the world leading diverse teams while serving as a Supply Corps Officer (business and logistics). He spent two years in Sicily, two years on a ship based out of Sasebo, Japan, two years at Headquarters in Hawaii, three years in Naples, Italy working for the 4-star Admiral, and finally finished his time in Jacksonville, FL.

He then joined Target, spending time between corporate in Minneapolis and on the front lines leading teams in distribution and in stores in Boston and Washington, DC.

"Yes, I became a fan of Boston sports while living there for 6 years," Sean said. "This fact, combined with growing up a 49er fan in Seattle makes for a lot of lively conversations amongst the locals."

Upon returning home to the PNW, Sean worked for Starbucks in field operations and then at corporate on the Social Impact Team, leading and developing programs for underserved communities. Changing gears during the pandemic, Sean most recently worked a DEI consultant, helping organizations meet their DEI goals and objectives.

Sean’s varied experience in the Navy and corporate worlds, combined with his personal experiences have directed his passion for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives.

Sean said, “being bi-racial (black and white) has offered me a unique perspective, influencing how I view things. My “why” is helping to provide opportunities to underserved communities.”

Leading new efforts

Sean is excited to be stepping into the brand new role of DEI Program Manager for the Department of Medicine and has spent much of his first months meeting many people across the department’s 13 divisions and the wider School of Medicine.

“My initial goals are to add visibility across the DoM about the great work you colleagues are already engaging in,” he said.

“I aspire to support your work, while at the same time share best practices already being undertaken so that you can leverage these in achieving your goals and objectives.”

“I also seek to identify and share other resources that faculty and staff can utilize. In the DoM, we aspire to create a welcoming environment and I am committed to doing just that.”

Outside of Work

Outside of work, Sean likes to golf, travel, eat, landscape and spend time with his wife and three sons. Catch him in the hall and he will tell you the crazy story of “How he Met his Partner” or of his many fun international travel adventures, including trekking in the Mt. Everest region (Nepal), participating in a service project in the Rift Valley (outside of Nairobi, Kenya), and a money exchange gone wrong in Prague. 

Contact Sean to learn more about him and the Department of Medicine’s DEI initiatives at seang151@uw.edu.