Brunson served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years before retiring in 2022. While in the Navy, she volunteered in education and food insecurity programs, experiences that shaped her leadership style. Volunteering helped Brunson stay connected to the communities around her without feeling insulated from the civilian world.
For her commitment to servitude, Brunson was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. The medal is awarded to those who perform outstanding volunteer community service while in the military. Brunson believes that servitude is how you look at leadership — being a good follower makes you a good leader.
“I think everybody should have an opportunity and access, and I want to be able to help the next person move up,” Brunson. “You know, we all move together. We don’t leave anybody behind.”
After the U.S. Navy, Brunson began as an emergency operations center manager for Deployed Services, where she oversaw 1,500 staff and 800 youth at an influx care facility. Her role demanded effective communication across departments and leadership amongst the facility. Brunson’s military background aided her transition into the position as she had developed a keen understanding of the programs and how things should run.