HFG: Valdez Bravo: From Army Lessons to Public Health Leadership - 49

In this episode of Hiring for Good, Suzanne Hanifin and Tanis Morris sit down with Valdez Bravo, Deputy Director of Operations at the Multnomah County Health Department and a lifelong public servant with more than 25 years in healthcare leadership. Valdez shares his journey from enlisting in the U.S. Army at 18 to leading complex public health and healthcare systems, reflecting on how military service, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness shaped his leadership philosophy.Topics Discussed:Valdez Bravo’s leadership journey in public service: From enlisting in the Army as a medical equipment repair technician, to leadership roles at the VA, to becoming Deputy Director of Operations at the Multnomah County Health Department—plus how mission-driven work shaped his career path.A practical leadership toolkit built on EQ and self-awareness: Why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership, how emotional intelligence shows up day-to-day, and how leaders can avoid common pitfalls like micromanaging, “because I said so” commanding, and constant pace-setting.How to build strong teams and culture (especially in complex systems): “Start with why,” set clear expectations and standards, create consistent communication rhythms (like regular huddles), build trust and belonging, and hire for complementary strengths (not clones) to improve performance and accountability.Hiring For Good Website: https://www.hiringforgoodpod.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-for-good-podcast/id1725208602Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/288s2urueV7xjlsFoYW8QNAcumen Executive Search Website: https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com/Suzanne Hanifin: President at Acumen Executive SearchEmail: [email protected] for Good is presented by Acumen Executive Search. Acumen Executive Search is the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and advisory Firm on the West Coast.Acumen sources, attracts, and qualifies world-class executive and management talent for organizations to support them in achieving their organizational goals.​ Due to their focus and local network, which is both broad and deep, we are able to leverage best practices across a broad range of industries. We employ an equity lens throughout the recruitment process.