I am excited to share that we have named a Director of Wellness for the Academic Enterprise. Please join me in welcoming Julie Griffith, MPH, who will begin her new role at UTMB on Jan. 20, 2026.

Ms. Griffith’s career includes senior leadership roles at Texas Children’s Hospital, where she directed system-wide patient experience initiatives and previously led employee health and well-being programs for more than 14,000 employees. Her expertise spans strategic planning, program development, and fostering a culture of health and well-being. She has successfully launched innovative wellness programs, integrated health clinics, and mental health initiatives, earning recognition for measurable improvements in workforce engagement and organizational performance.

She holds a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from Texas A&M University. Ms. Griffith is also certified in Executive Leadership for Women (Rice University) and Leading High Performing Teams (University of Houston), among other professional credentials. A former competitive soccer goalkeeper, Ms. Griffith played collegiately at Texas A&M University and internationally with England Women’s Soccer program, experience that continues to shape her approach to teamwork and excellence.

 

As Director of Wellness, she will focus on fostering a culture of well-being for faculty and students, leading the strategic design, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive wellness initiatives across the Academic Enterprise. She will collaborate across departments to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness, address burnout, enhance resilience, and support a positive work and learning environment.

Ms. Griffith’s passion for empowering individuals and creating purposeful, healthy work environments aligns perfectly with UTMB’s mission to advance health and well-being for our employees and communities. Please join me in welcoming her to UTMB!

Sincerely yours,

Susan Chubinskaya, PhD, MS

Senior Vice President, Provost, and 

Chief Academic Officer of the University of Texas Medical Branch

Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, John Sealy School of Medicine

Thomas N. and Gleaves T. James Distinguished Chair