Staff with Purpose and Passion: Emily Gray

From Education Manager to Chief of Staff, Emily Gray shares how a passion for pediatrics and a dedication to her team fuel 20 years of service.

Emily Gray began her career journey with the University of Minnesota Medical School 20 years ago as an Education Manager with the Department of Pediatrics. Years later, she became the department's Chief of Staff. Gray emphasizes that her passion for improving healthcare was inspired by her family of pediatric nurses. Though she does not work directly with patients, she always found her contributions valuable. “We get to see the research. We get to see the advocacy. We get a holistic perspective of how all these mission-oriented efforts fit together, and we get to have a part of that, which is why I am passionate about this.”

Every day brings something different for Gray, whether it involves leadership meetings, administrative tasks, or one-on-one check-ins. Despite the variety in her daily routine, Gray acknowledges that her work shares a consistent theme. “Being tied back to different areas of our mission is what I found important because we don't want to do things just to do them. We want to do things that have value and connect to a broader goal.” She intentionally reframes her work to align with advancing and enhancing the goals of the Medical School. 

Gray feels deeply rewarded with the ability to work with various connected missions and leadership teams across the medical school. Within her role, she serves as a central point of contact ensuring transparency and clarity. “I get to be the person who helps connect the touchpoints or facilitate communication about an upcoming event,” Gray notes. Her facilitation also allows her to cultivate long-term relationships across the department. “Fortunately with that comes building those relationships with people over time. I also get to intake that information, and use that information I receive from people to impact and make a better experience.”

The one thing that consistently encourages and motivates Gray is her team and the continuous growth of community. “I think a proud accomplishment is that I've been able to be part of growing this really wonderful, engaged staff infrastructure within our department.” She feels accomplished to be able to contribute to the ongoing growth of the team. Gray states, “We have really great staff. We have really great faculty. It's always great working with pediatricians.There's something about our culture in pediatrics, and we've had really special people who come in and they start building their careers here”. 

As an individual who grew up inspired by a family of pediatric nurses and spent years shaping the Department of Pediatrics infrastructure, Gray’s perspective comes from a place of deep experience. Gray reminds students, faculty, and the community to always remember that the work you put in will result in a greater impact and value. “The ability to be in this world, in this life, and to feel like you're actually having an impact, that's of value."