Her Story
About Brittany
Brittany Ezell is an accomplished executive assistant, administrative leader, and community advocate who serves as Executive Assistant to the President & CEO of The Pittsburgh Foundation, one of the nation's largest community foundations. In this strategic role, she partners closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors, overseeing executive operations, stakeholder engagement, board relations, executive communications, and organizational priorities. Her work spans a wide range of responsibilities from coordinating board meetings and executive initiatives to planning high-profile events and facilitating professional development opportunities on emerging topics such as artificial intelligence. Recognized for her strategic mindset, professionalism, and ability to navigate complex environments, Brittany is a trusted business partner who helps advance the Foundation's philanthropic mission.
Brittany's career in administration began during the 2010 recession, shortly after graduating from college. Seeking an opportunity to launch her career, she accepted a temporary administrative position through a staffing agency affiliated with UPMC. What began as a practical career decision quickly evolved into a true passion as she discovered the diversity of the role, the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, and the satisfaction of leading independent projects. Over the next decade, she progressed through increasingly complex administrative and executive support roles across multiple departments within UPMC, building expertise in executive partnership, strategic planning, project management, event coordination, and organizational operations. She later completed the prestigious TALI Emerging Leaders Program at Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, further strengthening her leadership capabilities.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Brittany is a dedicated advocate for advancing the administrative profession and empowering future leaders. She actively mentors aspiring professionals through Pennsylvania Women Work, volunteers with Dress for Success Pittsburgh, and contributes to organizations including the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP). Recognized as a 2026 New Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40 Under 40 honoree, Brittany is passionate about helping administrative professionals embrace continuous learning, leverage emerging technologies such as AI, and evolve into strategic business partners. She is committed to fostering authentic leadership, meaningful professional relationships, and creating opportunities that strengthen both individuals and the communities they serve.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brittany
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong work ethic and resilience instilled in me by my family. Growing up in a working-class household, I witnessed my parents and grandparents make tremendous sacrifices and work tirelessly to provide opportunities for future generations. Their determination taught me the value of perseverance, accountability, and hard work, leaving little room for complacency. Their example continues to motivate me every day, inspiring me to honor their legacy by striving for excellence, creating meaningful impact, and leaving the world better than I found it.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that you cannot grow in a place where you are comfortable. Early in my career, someone shared this perspective with me, and it has remained one of my guiding principles. It is easy to become comfortable and stagnant, avoiding risks because of fear or uncertainty. However, meaningful growth happens when you challenge yourself, embrace discomfort, and step outside your comfort zone. Taking on new opportunities, even when they feel intimidating, has been instrumental in both my personal and professional development.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to intentionally build a strong professional network. Take the time to connect with administrative professionals both within your organization and across different industries and career levels. Meaningful relationships can provide valuable mentorship, broaden your perspective, and open doors to new career opportunities. Focus on cultivating genuine, authentic connections rather than transactional ones, as lasting relationships built on trust and mutual support often become the foundation for long-term professional success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and greatest opportunities in my field is the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. While many professionals worry that AI will replace task-based work, I believe it should be viewed as a tool that enhances productivity rather than a threat. The key is to become educated on how to leverage AI effectively and adapt to the changing workplace. By embracing these technologies, professionals can shift their focus toward higher-value responsibilities such as relationship building, strategic planning, project management, and leadership, positioning themselves for long-term career growth and success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is one of the most important values that guides both my professional and personal life. In leadership and administrative roles, serving as the face of an organization can make it challenging to remain true to yourself, particularly as a woman of color, where how you present yourself can influence career opportunities and perceptions. I believe it is essential to find a balance between representing an organization's values and maintaining your own identity. If I ever felt that I had to fundamentally change who I am to succeed, I would recognize that it is not the right organization for me. I value workplaces that embrace authenticity, diversity, and the unique perspectives individuals bring to the table.
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