Brett W Copeland
Storyteller for the Public Good,
Strategic Communications Leader,
Advocate for Healthcare Justice*
I’m working at the intersection of public policy, cultural storytelling, and systemic change.
I want to connect with people who care about the future—leaders, organizers, artists, and everyday folks working for change.
I believe that policy is personal, strategy can be fun, and government should serve all of us. Whether you’re here to explore, work together, or reflect, I hope you find something that resonates. My work is shaped by the rhythms of the Midwest and South Texas, rooted in resilience, dignity, and collaboration.
My focus: I build toward better systems—through sharp messaging, durable partnerships, and stories that reach beyond the moment.
Strategic Communications
I help people say what they mean—and make it matter. From policy campaigns to public institutions, I craft messages that cut through the noise, build trust, and drive action.
Community-Centered Organizing
I bring people together across silos, sectors, and lived experience. Whether it’s organizing on the ground or aligning national strategy, I believe relationships are the real infrastructure.
Storytelling (and Other Stuff)
I use narrative to shift perspective, share power, and reimagine what’s possible. Sometimes that looks like writing. Sometimes it’s a speech, a policy brief, communications plan, a sermon, or a sidewalk conversation.
Experience
Labor and Healthcare Advocacy
The American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO
At The American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, I led national media and messaging campaigns to defend public servants, veterans’ healthcare, and civil service protections. I developed storytelling strategies and collaborated with nurses, veterans, and union activists to fight privatization and protect the public good.
The Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute
At The Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute, I served as founding executive director, creating policy guides and public education campaigns that challenged corporate-driven healthcare privatization. I built coalitions and shaped media narratives that defended publicly accountable, people-centered healthcare models.
Higher Education and Student Success
The University of Texas at San Antonio
At The University of Texas at San Antonio, I managed communications for student success, digital learning, and AI readiness initiatives. I embraced the university’s wellbeing philosophy, championed universal design, and highlighted stories of resilience, equity, and opportunity from our students and faculty.
Political, Volunteer, and Community-Based Service
I’ve organized with campaigns from presidential elections to local school boards and rebuilt Democratic Party structures in rural Iowa. My professional and volunteer work spans mental health care, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and community-based service. I’ve supported marriage equality, delivered guest sermons, and participated in work that deepened my commitment to justice, power, and humility.
Federal and Public Communications
Addx Corporation at The U.S. General Services Administration
At the U.S. General Services Administration, I supported crisis communications and public affairs during a critical moment for government accountability and modernization. As a contractor, I helped highlight the value of federal supply chains, local sourcing, and public service.
Many Hats, Big Dreams
I grew up between South Texas and the Midwest—two places often left out of the national conversation, despite being full of grit, brilliance, and deep community ties.
These places shaped who I am and how I show up: as a volunteer, advocate, and storyteller committed to lifting up voices from the heartland and the South. There’s more happening here than most people realize—and if we start listening and working together, we might just make some big dreams real.
Subscribe
Community, connection and knowledge-sharing is important. No matter what obstacle is out there, we’ve got this - together.