Currently a Trustee for The Kalamazoo Promise, Dr. Brown was Executive Director of The Kalamazoo Promise, Superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools from July 2000 to August 2007, and prior to that served as Executive Director of Instruction. In addition, she has over 40 years of experience working at all levels of public education. She has been a teacher, consultant, visiting professor, State administrator, principal and central office administrator.

Brown has made State and national presentations for many professional groups, most recently on the economic/educational value of The Kalamazoo Promise. She was named Michigan Superintendent of the Year for her region and received the national Athena Award, the Women of Achievement and the Glass Ceiling Award given to women who have shown outstanding leadership. Her most recent honor was the Crystal Apple Award from Michigan State University. Brown provides leadership at all levels of the community for improved learning for all students and engagement/support from the total community. She currently serves on a number of Boards and committees representing the Promise.

One capstone of her tenure as superintendent for Kalamazoo Public Schools was the preparation and announcement of The Kalamazoo Promise. Brown continues to be the spokesperson for the Kalamazoo Promise as one of its developers and works closely with Kalamazoo Public Schools and many organizations in the greater Kalamazoo region. Brown has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Katie Couric Show, ABC, The Today Show, CNN, and Good Morning America and most recently on behalf of The Kalamazoo Promise in the New York Times.