11 Dec EMPH Graduate Brandon Fernandez Promoted to CEO of CRI-Help
Executive MPH Graduate Brandon Fernandez (EMPH Class of 2020) was recently promoted to CEO of CRI-Help, Inc, an organization that provides treatment programs, education, prevention, counseling, and rehabilitation for chemically dependent individuals. Brandon has been with the organization for the last 10 years in various roles including Chief Operating Officer and Operations & Development Manager. We caught up with him to learn more about his journey in public health.
What led you to UCLA to pursue your EMPH?
Brandon: I was looking for the next step in my education and in my career. I attended an open house for Anderson’s FEMBA program, and reviewed other options abroad. After participating in one of the EMPH open houses, and checking out the classes available, I was set to enroll.
Tell us about your experience learning in a cohort-based model:
Brandon: Fantastic. I loved developing meaningful relationships in an intimate group over the two year period. It was especially helpful to establish deep bonds with our cohort as we progressed together.
Describe your relationship with the faculty in the program and how they shaped your academic and career journey:
Brandon: The EMPH faculty were immensely supportive throughout my two years as a student, and perhaps more importantly, post-graduation. I’ve been able to reach out to a number of the faculty and engage with them on a number of challenges I’ve experienced as a professional, and receive timely and nuanced feedback. Their commitment to continue to provide guidance outside of school is incredible and was totally unexpected when I entered the program.
Congratulations on your promotion to CEO of CRI-Help. Tell us about your journey at the organization and what it takes to lead an organization such as this one:
Brandon: I started my journey at CRI-Help as a client over 10 years ago. I was struggling with a substance use disorder and managed to successfully burn down the bridges behind and in front of me. Since that time, I’ve been the recipient of good fortune. I’ve had some incredible mentors along the way, and some key EMPH staff (shout out to Tom Gordon and Jonathan Freedman) have been instrumental in providing feedback to me when I felt unsure how to move forward. In regards to what it takes to lead an organization such as this one (i.e., a safety-net provider whose payer mix is 95% Medi-Cal & 5% Commercial, with over 50% of adults reporting they are unhoused at the time of admission) the answer is empathy and compassion. The adage, “there but for the grace of God go I” is especially personal to me in our work, and I feel humbled and grateful that I have the opportunity to serve the organization.
What piece of advice would you give to someone considering enrolling in the EMPH Program?
Brandon: Stop waiting and do it. Two years flies by. I give this advice to our staff here at CRI-Help all the time. Too often, we are indecisive and unsure what next step to take. Time goes by quickly! You can either look back two years later and be in the same place, or, two years later, you’ve made some incredible friendships, exposed yourself to new concepts and ideas, and earned a Masters degree.