Shannon Gorrell, Health Services Division. Photo: Shawn Miller.
During Public Service Recognition 2021, we’re recognizing some of the unique people who make the Library special. Shannon Gorrell is senior clinical manager in the Health Services Division.
Tell us a little about your background.
I grew up mostly in San Diego but went to high school in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, where I majored in biology and chemistry. I joined the Marine Corps after graduation and served on active duty as an intelligence officer for eight years, including a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Afterward, I returned to UNC-Chapel Hill and completed a Bachelor of Science in nursing. During that time, I was activated by the Marine Corps and deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon graduation in 2007, I moved to Washington, D.C., and worked in the emergency departments of Georgetown University Hospital and Bethesda Naval Hospital.
In 2014, I earned a Master of Science in nursing from George Washington University as a family nurse practitioner and started working for Medical Faculty Associates as an urgent care and primary care nurse practitioner in downtown Washington, D.C.
I was recalled back to active duty again in 2017 and spent three years in the Pentagon developing intelligence strategy and policy for the Marine Corps.
What brought you to the Library, and what is your role?
I was excited to see the senior clinical manager job advertised — I saw it as a great opportunity to combine my leadership, policy and clinical experiences. I started in spring 2020 and supervise the clinical staff and operations of the Health Services Office under the direction of Dr. Sandra Charles, the Library’s chief medical officer.
What have you been focusing on during the pandemic?
Since I was hired in the middle of the Library’s pandemic response, I have been learning the ropes and trying to make sure we keep the Library a safe and healthy place for our employees. I am very proud of the great team we have in the Health Services Division and what we have been able to accomplish.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I currently command the Marine Corps Reserve detachment at the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity in Quantico, Virginia. When I am not fulfilling those responsibilities, I enjoy taking advantage of all the great indoor and outdoor activities D.C. has to offer, traveling and hanging out with my 10-year-old miniature Australian shepherd dog, Angie. Also, every year, my father and I raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by riding 100 miles in a cycling event in North Carolina.
What is something your co-workers may not know about you?
In 2010, I was selected for a congressional fellowship through the Department of Defense. I worked in the office of Sen. Dianne Feinstein on defense and veterans’ issues. It was a great opportunity to learn about Congress and the legislative branch. I was also fortunate to have access to and benefit from the great work that the Congressional Research Service does — it definitely made my job easier and more fulfilling!
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