Vicki Arlene Brown

Vicki was born on May 5, 1954, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Georgia and Horace Colman. She was the middle child of five children: her oldest brother, Herbert, aka Herb, her older sister, Shirley Ann, and her two younger brothers, Horace and Kerry Jay.

She believed in the power of education. She attended Charleston High School, class of 1972; went on to earn a Bachelor's of Science from West Virginia State University, class of 1976; continued her studies at Georgia Southern University, Master of Science, class of 1985; attained a second Master of Science at the U. S. Army War College-Military Strategies, class of 2007; and earned her Ed.D., Doctor of Educational Leadership - Studied Human and Organizational Learning at The George Washington University, class of 2015. Earning the title of Dr. Vicki A. Brown, Ed.D.

Developing, organizing, and directing the program managers is her superpower. She nurtured the minds and hearts of countless employees by managing and directing government resources and operating programs. Vicki’s passion for providing effective leadership was evident in her 43-year career, expanding across two government organizations, first with the Department of Defense (DoD) and then with the Department of Interior (DoI).

DoD

Dr. Brown (aka Dr. Vicki) started her tenure as the Department of Defense's (DoD) Chief Learning Officer in the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service. Her leadership skills in Adult Learning is her specialty. Mentor and a Coach to so many people in their careers. Her positive impact on the Department’s Training, Education, and Professional Development programs and policies was far-reaching. She guided and steered the learning strategy and agenda in collaboration with her colleagues and the leadership from among the Military Departments and Defense agencies throughout the DoD while representing the DoD civilian workforce of over 800,000 people worldwide. A Visionary, an Innovator, and a Shining North Star for so many people, Dr. Brown’s legacy will continue to have an endearing impact on the Department of Defense Mission, the War Fighter, and the Civilian Workforce.

DoI

After nearly four decades of unwavering service to military and civilian personnel and their families, Dr. Brown's professional journey culminated in her dream role as the Chief Learning Officer at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Her pride in serving in this Senior Executive Service position was matched only by the sweeping impact she wielded, steering transformative learning and development programs, including two Secretary initiatives, across a workforce exceeding 70,000. Dr. Brown was an unyielding advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and remained steadfast in her pursuit to foster an equitable and nurturing work environment for all. Her fervent dedication extended to empowering women leaders through robust mentoring, generously sharing her wisdom and expertise to uplift and propel others forward. Her professional legacy is an enduring tapestry woven with love, compassion, dedication, and commitment that is now echoed by all she inspired in service to the American People.

In 1998, Vicki's life blossomed further when she married her soulmate, Ronald K. Hiett, aka Ron, in a beautiful ceremony at Kent Manor in Stevensville, MD. When Vicki met Ron, she was a survivor of a previous marriage with two wonderful kids, Jason and Valoree. Their love grew and blossomed over 22 years in northern Virginia, and in 2020, they relocated to their forever home in Saint Johns, FL.

Vicki balanced her demanding job with a tenacious appetite for reading. Her favorite read was the daily news, politics, and a love for a good murder mystery. She always found time to aid people in their personal career development. Assisting with applications, interview questions, and personal business etiquette. Her hands were rarely still, as she was a local Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member.

Vick’s Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 10th at 10:00 AM at Hardage Giddens St. Johns Funeral Home, 1285 St. Johns Parkway, Saint Johns, FL 32259.

This is a Life Celebration where stories of her life will be shared and cherished. Friends, family, co-workers, and loved ones will speak to her memory, ensuring that while Vicki may have left us in body, her spirit/soul will continue to inspire and guide us.

Vicki Arlene Brown was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will be a treasure in the hearts of many. Her life was a testament to the beauty of giving, teaching, and loving unconditionally. She will be forever missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgstjohns.com

https://evt.live/celebration-of-life-dr-vicki-brown-hiett