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Berry IOP Fellow: Sullivan

Spring 2026

About Tanisha Sullivan

Business Leader, Civic Innovator, and Champion for Equity

Tanisha M. Sullivan, J.D., M.B.A., is an award-winning civic, legal, and business leader with nearly 30 years of experience across the life sciences ecosystem. As Sanofi’s Head of External Engagement and Health Equity Strategy, she oversees the U.S. health equity strategy and executive engagement and government relations in Massachusetts. Her career spans global law firms in Boston and New York and several senior legal leadership roles within Sanofi, including Associate General Counsel and Legal Head of Manufacturing and Supply for Global Specialty Care and Sanofi US.

A committed public servant, Ms. Sullivan brings deep expertise in designing public policy solutions that strengthen communities and expand opportunities. She previously served as the inaugural Chief Equity Officer for Boston Public Schools and as a guest lecturer at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education. Her civic leadership includes developing the nationally recognized Take the Lead anti-racism initiative; co-designing the Boston Office of Police Accountability and Transparency; and launching The State of Race with GBH. She served four terms as President of the NAACP Boston Branch and now serves as President of the NAACP New England Area Conference, representing five states.

A non-partisan leader trusted across administrations, Ms. Sullivan has advised two Massachusetts Governors and currently chairs Governor Maura Healey’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Boston College Law School Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy and has contributed to several state and city public health task forces. A frequent media commentator and the recipient of numerous civic and business honors—including the BBJ Power 50, Boston Magazine’s Most Influential Bostonians, and BLOC’s 100 Most Impactful Leaders in BioPharma—Ms. Sullivan holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Boston College Law School and an MBA from the Boston College Carroll School of Management, along with executive leadership credentials from Harvard Business School.

Campus Visits

Tanisha Sullivan will visit campus multiple times throughout the spring semester to share her knowledge, skills, and experiences with students interested in politics, leadership, and public service. While on campus, she will guest lecture in classes, host meals with students, lead workshops and speaker events, and meet individually with students upon request. 

This webpage will be updated throughout the semester as new opportunities become available. To receive email notifications about upcoming programs, please contact BerryIOP@salemstate.edu.

Spring 2026 Campus Visit Dates:

• Visit 1 Wednesday, January 28
• Visit 2 Monday, February 9
• Visit 3 Tuesday, February 10
• Visit 4 Wednesday, March 11
• Visit 5 Thursday, March 12
• Visit 6 Tuesday, April 14
• Visit 7 Wednesday, April 15

Upcoming Events

Berry IOP Fellows Welcome Reception

Wednesday, January 28, 12-2 pm

Short speaking program begins at 1 pm

Forten 123, Harrington Campus

Join us in welcoming our spring 2026 Berry IOP Fellows to ´ºÃÎÖ±²¥. This is an opportunity for you to meet them, introduce them to SSU, and learn about the programs they will be hosting during their fellowship. Stop by for 10 minutes or join us for the entire reception. Refreshments will be provided.

One-on-One Meetings

Tanisha Sullivan is available for 30-minute individual meetings with undergraduate and graduate students during her visits. These conversations can focus on career advice, politics, public service, leadership, course assignments, or other topics of interest. 

To schedule a meeting, please email BerryIOP@salemstate.edu.

Learn more about the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics at Salem State.