In 2022, Simon Trowell retired after almost four decades of leadership in the health care and pharmaceutical industry. With a lot more time on his hands, he explored new hobbies and became a level three sommelier. He and his partner recently moved back to Center City where they’re enjoying the proximity to local theaters and museums.
But he’s not just about fun and games.
While seeking new ways to continue utilizing his skills and contribute to his community, Trowell also joined the board of Mazzoni Center. And following the recent departure of Sultan Shakir, who led the organization for three years, Trowell stepped up to become the interim president and executive director.
“During a time that I think everyone might acknowledge is a time of volatility, complexity and some might say outright hostility towards the LGBT+ population — having an organization that is standing firm can continue to support health care in an underserved population, I think is just so essential,” Trowell said. “I think that’s what gives me a passion for what we are doing here. The mission of Mazzoni is a very compelling mission. It was compelling when I joined the board, and it’s even more compelling now that I’m in this interim leadership role.”
Trowell admitted that it would be naive if he weren’t worried about federal funding or possible legislative changes that could impact the way Mazzoni operates — but the organization is planning for worst-case scenarios. He said providing LGBTQ+ care requires diligence and rigor as well as strong collaboration, information sharing, and solidarity among local and national allies.
“It is a changing and a hostile environment, and I think what we have to do is be very prudent and thoughtful in terms of our approach. What we — myself, the leadership team, the board — are doing is staying very close to the almost daily evolution of the environment that we find ourselves in,” he continued, referring to the tense political climate. “In terms of providing comprehensive health and wellness services to an LGBT-focused environment, improving people’s quality of life, preserving their dignity — those are things that will continue to happen and be driven by Mazzoni regardless.”
Trowell hopes to reassure the LGBTQ+ community that Mazzoni is committed to the same work it has pursued for nearly five decades and will continue to do so — paying special attention to medical care, case management, behavioral health care, and wraparound wellness services that support overall health.
“The need is greater than ever,” he emphasized. “And we will continue to be here for the patients and clients that need us.”
Trowell most recently worked for GSK, a London-based multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company that also holds a majority stake in ViiV Healthcare — which is solely focused on developing HIV medications and conducting research on those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
“When I retired, I was a vice president of an area called quality, capability and risk management,” he explained. “[It was] a team of about 140 people globally, and essentially we looked after quality, capability, policy, process, technology systems that supported clinical trials within GSK worldwide for all of our medicines and vaccines that were in development.”
That role required literacies and experience Trowell is bringing with him to Mazzoni, where he’ll remain as the head of the organization until a permanent hire is made. Trowell isn’t sure how long that’ll take but noted that a decision isn’t likely to be made until fall at the earliest. The job has been posted for interested applicants.
A strong candidate, Trowell explained, would have experience working in leadership at a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, a designation that Mazzoni recently achieved which allows the organization to be reimbursed for care provided to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, purchase medications at a reduced cost, offer free vaccines and access other benefits. Those programs and benefits take know-how to navigate in order to make the most of them.
“I think someone who would have knowledge of Philadelphia and the local community would also be advantageous,” he underlined, adding that applicants should also have knowledge and experience addressing LGBTQ+ health care needs.
Until the right candidate is identified, Trowell will support operations and staffers. He’s currently in the middle of meeting one-on-one with employees, many of whom are members of the LGBTQ+ community, and has been impressed by their “absolute, palpable passion for the work that we do here,” he said.
“That passion and enthusiasm for what Mazzoni does — I’ve definitely seen alignment to the vision and the mission of other organizations that I’ve worked in, but there’s something here that is quite special,” Trowell emphasized. “I’m finding it very energizing and enthusing for me personally — and somewhat humbling as well… It just helps to underline the criticality of this role and the future of Mazzoni actually going forward.”