Brevard Native Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos Speaks at National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Workshop
By Steve Wilson // April 23, 2026
Haridopolos is Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor in the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General
Brevard County native Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos (pictured) recently spoke at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine workshop, “Achieving a Just Response to Sudden, Unexpected Infant Deaths.” Haridopolos is Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States. (U.S. Surgeon General image)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard County native, Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, recently spoke at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine workshop, Achieving a Just Response to Sudden, Unexpected Infant Deaths. Haridopolos is Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States.
The public workshop, which was held in our nation’s capital, was designed to examine law enforcement, clinical, and public health responses to sudden, unexpected infant death.
Haridopolos deemed it an honor to speak to the prestigious group, saying, “Sudden unexpected infant death is, above all, a profound human tragedy—one that brings unimaginable grief, shock, and life-changing loss.
It also calls on responders and institutions to act with both compassion and rigor, balancing care with established protocols during deeply sensitive moments.”
She went on to say, “As we move forward, the Department of Health and Human Services remains steadfast in this work and in the partnerships that make it possible.
Advancing progress will require continued collaboration, shared expertise, and a commitment to learning together.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana, and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.
Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida House District 32 Constituent of the Week 4/20/25.
Wilson is especially proud to have chaired two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock, that raised over $25,000.00.
He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 26 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events significant to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.
The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.
