Brown Inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
October 27, 2026
Dr. Holly Brown, executive director of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at the St. John Fisher University Wegmans School of Nursing, has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).
One of the highest honors in the nursing profession. It recognizes extraordinary nurse leaders whose vision, scholarship, and dedication have made a transformative impact on healthcare delivery, education, and policy.
Dr. Janiece DeSocio, professor of nursing at Seattle University, nominated Brown for the honor. In the nomination, she described Brown as a leader dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers to care, whose career is marked by exceptional achievements and a sustained commitment to equitable, inclusive healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
“Dr. Holly Brown is a leader in national and international healthcare workforce development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through results that improve the health of people with IDD, Dr. Brown is creating a more just and equitable society for all."
DeSocio added that international leaders recognize Brown as a tireless champion for people with IDD and included a reflection from one international colleague in the nomination, sharing, “Holly Brown has led significant, original, and persisting efforts to educate an expanding cohort of international nursing fellows in the comprehensive healthcare of people with IDD.
Brown’s induction highlights her trailblazing advocacy and leadership in advancing developmental disability nursing, ensuring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the equitable, specialized, and compassionate care they deserve.
Brown joined the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing in fall 2019 as the associate director and was named executive director in 2023. She also serves as an associate professor in the Wegmans School of Nursing. Additionally, she maintains part-time clinical practice as the senior psychiatric nurse practitioner at Hillside, serving youth diagnosed with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health conditions and their families.
Brown Inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing2026-10-27T16:04:37-04:00Dr. Holly Brown, executive director of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at the St. John Fisher University Wegmans School of Nursing, has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).One of the highest honors in the nursing profession. It recognizes extraordinary nurse leaders whose vision, scholarship, and dedication have made a transformative impact on healthcare delivery, education, and policy.
Dr. Janiece DeSocio, professor of nursing at Seattle University, nominated Brown for the honor. In the nomination, she described Brown as a leader dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers to care, whose career is marked by exceptional achievements and a sustained commitment to equitable, inclusive healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
“Dr. Holly Brown is a leader in national and international healthcare workforce development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through results that improve the health of people with IDD, Dr. Brown is creating a more just and equitable society for all."
DeSocio added that international leaders recognize Brown as a tireless champion for people with IDD and included a reflection from one international colleague in the nomination, sharing, “Holly Brown has led significant, original, and persisting efforts to educate an expanding cohort of international nursing fellows in the comprehensive healthcare of people with IDD.
Brown’s induction highlights her trailblazing advocacy and leadership in advancing developmental disability nursing, ensuring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the equitable, specialized, and compassionate care they deserve.
Brown joined the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing in fall 2019 as the associate director and was named executive director in 2023. She also serves as an associate professor in the Wegmans School of Nursing. Additionally, she maintains part-time clinical practice as the senior psychiatric nurse practitioner at Hillside, serving youth diagnosed with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health conditions and their families.
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