Exciting Announcement: Welcome Elizabeth Lovejoy Brown as Executive Director of The Picotte Center
We’re excited to announce the appointment of the Picotte Center Executive Director, Elizabeth Lovejoy Brown.
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Lovejoy Brown is uniquely qualified, passionately dedicated, and possesses a distinct skill set essential for steering the Picotte Center into its next chapter.
As a distinguished member of the Inkesabe Clan of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, Liz has a dynamic and extensive background that notably qualifies her for the role of Executive Director. She has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa and boasts an impressive 17 years of experience in social work, financial and grant management, and program delivery.
Her experience managing non-profit organizations and specialization in tribal finance, accounting, and grant administration, position her as an ideal champion of our mission and leader for the final stages of the restoration of our historically rich building.
Liz assumes leadership as The Picotte Center embarks on the final phase in its pursuit to establish itself as a cultural, business, health, and social services hub. Under her guidance, the historic structure will reach complete restoration and be repurposed into a modern community center that will serve the needs of the Omaha Nation and the Walthill Community.
An Appointment in the Making | From 1913 to 2023
Liz’s role is vital to preserving and revitalizing the historic Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Hospital, which has undergone several transformations since its establishment as a hospital in 1913.
The hospital was open until 1944, when it became an elderly facility, which it remained until 1964. After 1964, the structure served diverse roles, from a private residence to an upholstery shop, a charity clothing distribution center, a bakery, a legal and farm aid office, and more. Until 2016, the main floor held its identity as the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Museum.
A pivotal turning point occurred in 2017 when the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs established the Susan La Flesche Memorial Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee’s formation catalyzed the subsequent creation of the 2018 Condition Assessment and Renovation Master Plan, a collaborative effort by architects Dan Worth and Milan Wall. The Master Plan unfolds in three phases, with Phases 1 and 2 marking significant milestones, including installing a new roof and the external renovation of the historic building.
Phase 3 is set to commence in 2024 and will focus on the interior restoration of the building. This phase will accommodate a medical clinic, mental health and substance abuse clinic, youth programming, historical museum, and cultural and educational spaces. Beyond the building's walls, Phase 3 includes site development for parking, outdoor activities like a theater, community gardens, and distinctive Native American features.
As The Picotte Center embarks on the culmination of the restoration journey, Liz stands at the helm, a guardian of change and community vision. Her indomitable spirit and dedication to advocacy, along with a wealth of experience, positions her as the architect of our transformation, champion of our longevity, and advocate for our vision for Omaha Nation and the Walthill Community in honor of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte.
