Policy & Innovation Center Names Stephanie Gioia-Beckman as Senior Director of Workforce and Community Impacts
Public policy expert to lead organization’s work on implementing behavioral health and workforce grants
SAN DIEGO (April 10, 2025) – The Policy & Innovation Center (PIC) has welcomed Stephanie Gioia-Beckman as senior director of workforce and community impact. In her role, Gioia-Beckman will oversee a portfolio of PIC’s work for $75 million in health initiative grants, leading the organization in addressing societal challenges, including behavioral health workforce shortages and economic mobility.
Susan Guinn, president and CEO of the think tank, said of Gioia-Beckman, “Stephanie is bringing valuable expertise from her work in professional organizations, the County of San Diego and local hospitals. Her understanding of healthcare, public policy and community-driven change have made her instrumental in growing our impact in health and workforce development.”
Gioia-Beckman joins PIC with more than 25 years of experience in public policy, advocacy and government relations, focusing on improving health and social services for children and families.
Previously, she served as the director of community impact and advocacy at Rady Children’s Hospital, where she led efforts to shape policy, strengthen partnerships and oversee the Community Benefit Program. The program secured a $30 million increase in reportable community investments. Gioia-Beckman also led the triennial Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and worked closely with local government and community organizations to address behavioral health, child welfare, workforce and social determinants of health.
Gioia-Beckman also spent over two decades in local government. She served as director of policy for two San Diego County Supervisors, where she helped enact 79 legislative measures, including securing over $115 million for behavioral health reform, expanding crisis response services and improving countywide health systems.
“I have dedicated my career to helping create healthier, stronger communities,” said Gioia-Beckman, “PIC’s approach with data, policy and partnerships will continue that lasting change, especially for our region’s health initiatives and workforce. These initiatives will improve access to high-quality healthcare while supporting the individuals who deeply care for San Diegans’ wellbeing.”
Beyond her professional roles, Gioia-Beckman is actively involved in committees advocating and building coalitions to improve the health and wellness of our community. She is the former co-chair of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Committee, an executive committee member of the County’s Children, Youth and Family Behavioral Health System of Care Council and an appointee to the County’s Child & Family Strengthening Advisory Board. Additionally, she serves as an advisor to the American Academy of Pediatrics CA-3, Strategic Behavioral Health Initiative.
Gioia-Beckman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
About the Policy & Innovation Center
The Policy & Innovation Center is a think tank and social-impact incubator. PIC conducts research and policy analysis to identify creative solutions to our communities’ biggest problems, and builds cross-sector, multijurisdictional partnerships to advance those solutions. Founding partners include the Brookings Institution, County of San Diego, and San Diego Foundation. For more information, visit ThinkPIC.org.