Vivent Health Names Joseph Brooks New Chief External Affairs Officer
Vivent Health, one of the nation’s leading providers of HIV care and prevention, is pleased to announce Joseph Brooks (he/him) as its new Chief External Affairs Officer, effective April 13. He will lead Vivent Health’s newly formed External Affairs team, positioning the organization for long-term influence and sustainability as we continue our work to end the HIV epidemic.
Joseph has deep roots with Vivent Health, having previously worked at AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) early in his career. “We are excited to welcome Joseph back to Vivent Health in this critical leadership role,” said Brandon Hill, President & CEO of Vivent Health. “He brings a deep understanding of our mission, a strong track record in philanthropy and community engagement, and a passion for advancing health equity. His leadership will be instrumental as we strengthen our external partnerships, expand our reach, and move us closer to ending HIV in the communities we serve.”
Brooks began his career teaching high school in Chicago Public Schools, where he saw firsthand the systemic barriers facing many young people. That experience inspired a career focused on philanthropy, community engagement, and mission-driven organizations. Over the past two decades, he has raised funds for HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ services and higher education, led major university advancement campaigns, and advised philanthropists and foundations domestically and internationally through his leadership roles at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Vital Impact Advisors.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lawrence University, a master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and an MBA from Marquette University. He is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and a Certified Fundraising Executive. Joseph serves on the boards of the Cream City Foundation and the PFund Foundation, both focused on advancing LGBTQ+ communities.
“I’m honored to return to Vivent Health and to take on this new role at such an important time for the organization,” said Brooks. “Vivent Health has long been a leader in HIV care and prevention, and I’m excited to help strengthen our partnerships, expand our impact, connect with our communities, and advance our work to ensure more people living with and impacted by HIV have access to the exceptional care and support they deserve.”
About Vivent Health
Vivent Health’s mission is to end HIV/AIDS. We do this by providing integrated, personalized, judgment-free healthcare, social services, and effective prevention strategies. We are a multi-state organization, but our approach is community-driven — we meet people where they are, providing access to the personalized care and resources they need. Whether it’s HIV or PrEP care, STI/HIV testing and treatment, or critical social services, Vivent Health is here to help people live their healthiest lives.
Vivent Health currently cares for nearly 19,000 people living with and impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as countless people at risk for opioid overdose. Vivent Health has clinics in Denver, CO; Chicago, IL; Detroit and Ypsilanti, MI: St. Louis and Kansas City, MO; Austin, TX, and 10 cities throughout Wisconsin including Milwaukee. Learn more at www.ViventHealth.org.