Jennifer Thompson Brown ’95

Alumni News

By Middle School, Jennifer Thompson Brown ’95 knew she wanted to be an attorney and develop public policies that improved the lives of others. “I watched 60 Minutes and C-SPAN with my dad, Isiah Thompson, Jr., as much as I could and asked lots of questions,” Brown said. “I remember telling him at a very young age that I wanted to be involved in shaping government policy.” She attributes the strong academic foundation she received at FWCD as one of the major contributing factors to her career success.

Brown was recently promoted to Senior Washington Counsel for the American Medical Association (AMA), the nation’s largest professional association of physicians. Her office is located in Washington, D.C. “The bulk of my time is spent researching the law and/or federal regulations and then working with my AMA colleagues, congressional staffers, and staff within the administration to develop robust health care policies that support our physicians and their patients. Making clear, concise arguments to support our position is key.”

Brown credits many FWCD teachers with providing her a solid skill set. “Ms. [June] Van Buskirk [H’09], Ms. [Pat] Singleton and Ms. [Merle] Holland taught me the value of time management; Ms. [Sharon] Foster [H’05] and Mr. [Chuck] Hubbard taught me perseverance; and Ms. [Norma] Wilkerson [H’07] taught me how to organize my thoughts for effective writing,” she shared.

Jennifer Thompson Brown ’95

She honed her skills in drafting persuasive arguments in Debate Club with Ms. [Ann] Arnold in Middle School and Upper School and participated in Model United Nations Club. “FWCD taught me how to properly research my topics in advance, organize my thoughts, and calmly, yet quickly, craft succinct policy arguments while under time pressure,” Brown noted. “Those skills have helped me at every step of my career.”

Brown triple-majored at Rice University, earning a BA in Political Science, Policy Studies, and Managerial Studies, while also working as a football equipment manager to help cover tuition and living expenses. She went on to earn a JD at Tulane University School of Law, where she was an active member of the Legislative and Administrative Advocacy Clinic, examining how bills become law and how agency rules are promulgated. Following graduation, she embarked on her public policy career, working for state legislators and agencies, including the Texas Comptroller, the Texas General Land Office and the Texas Education Agency.

In 2011, Brown and her husband, Lawrence, moved to the Washington, D.C. area to further their legal careers. “I have always wanted to practice law and be immersed in federal policy in D.C., so I stepped out on faith believing that we would both get jobs … and indeed we did,” she said.

An FWCD “Original,” Brown is also the daughter of Edwena Thompson, who taught in the Lower School for more than 20 years. “FWCD really supported my family when my sister, Jillian C. Thompson ’01, a member of FWCD’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society, died of cancer during her senior year,” Brown said. “Our family continues to support the School through the Jillian Chandler Thompson Memorial Scholarship for minority students.”

Brown and Lawrence live in Virginia with their two sons, Abraham (5) and Andrew (4). “Being a health care attorney in our nation’s capital has always been fulfilling. I love prepping our physicians to testify for a Congressional hearing on Capitol Hill or engaging with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on a regulatory issue,” she said. “However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in ways that we did not anticipate. Now, more than ever, my original purpose of creating a healthier nation is inextricably linked to also ensuring the health and well-being of those around the globe. This pandemic has shown us … we are all connected.”