Available to book
Sylvia Mathews Burwell
Effective Leadership
Accountability
Leadership Development
Transform your organization's approach to healthcare policy with Sylvia Mathews Burwell, speaker, President of American University.

Educator
Mentor
Thought Leader
Healthcare
Women in Business
Executive
Inspirational
Public Relations
Motivational
Sylvia Mathews Burwell is an accomplished American executive and former government official, known for her significant contributions to public service and education. As the current president of American University in Washington, D.C., Sylvia brings a wealth of experience and insight to discussions on healthcare policy, education, and leadership in the public sector. Sylvia's career is marked by her tenure as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2014 to 2017, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation of healthcare policies during a transformative period for the sector. Her leadership in this role was preceded by her position as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, where she was responsible for managing the federal budget and ensuring efficient government operations. Throughout her career, Sylvia has navigated complex challenges with a focus on creating impactful solutions. Her experience in both government and academia provides her with a unique perspective on the intersection of policy and education. This background enables her to offer valuable insights into the intricacies of public sector leadership and the importance of effective policy implementation. Sylvia's dedication to public service and education is further underscored by her commitment to fostering leadership skills in others. Her work at American University reflects her belief in the power of education to drive change and her efforts to prepare the next generation of leaders for the challenges of tomorrow. With a career that spans high-level government roles and academic leadership, Sylvia Mathews Burwell is a respected voice in discussions on healthcare, education, and public policy. Her experiences and insights make her a compelling speaker for those interested in understanding the complexities of leadership and policy in today's world.
Topics, sessions and talks
With a career spanning both the federal government and globally recognized nonprofits, Sylvia Mathews Burwell possesses a deep understanding of what it takes for organizations to flourish at all levels. She has a keen insight into cultivating the right talent to foster accountability and drive progress. In this bespoke discussion, Sylvia Mathews Burwell will delve into various topics, including her personal leadership philosophy, which emphasizes measurable outcomes, prioritization, and building strong relationships. Additionally, she will offer valuable guidance on effectively nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, drawing from her own experiences in running a federal agency and leading international organizations.
Sylvia Mathews Burwell addresses health-care reform, budget, leadership, and Q&A moderation. Talks are customized for your audience and event.
frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email sylvia.mathews.burwell@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Sylvia's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Sylvia Mathews Burwell structures her talks as bespoke discussions customised to the client's audience and event, drawing on her direct experience in federal government roles and academic leadership to address healthcare policy, budget management, and leadership development, with a format that incorporates Q&A moderation.
Sylvia Mathews Burwell speaks on leadership philosophy and development, healthcare reform, and federal budget and government operations. She served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2014 to 2017 and previously as Director of the Office of Management and Budget; she currently serves as President of American University in Washington, D.C.
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Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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