Pamela Howe Brown

Pamela Howe Brown passed away on Nov. 3, 2024, in Tampa, Fla., surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Pam was distinguished by her kindness, her sophistication, her gift for building lasting relationships, and her unwavering commitment to lifting up others — qualities that underpinned both her professional and personal life.

Pam was a trailblazer in public relations. She began her career as a newspaper reporter at the Knickerbocker News and the Times Union, eventually becoming the Lifestyle editor. In 1979, with nothing more than a Selectric typewriter and a vision, she founded a public relations and communications firm. Two years later, when she was joined by her then-husband, David P. Brown, the firm became Sawchuk Brown Associates. Under Pam's leadership, Sawchuk Brown grew into one of the Capital Region's most prominent firms, earning numerous accolades and playing a key role in the area's growth. After David's passing in 2007, Pam sold the firm, but her influence on the region's business landscape remained.

In 2010, Pam became Vice President of Community Development for Albany Medical Center, where she spearheaded an unprecedented community outreach initiative that strengthened ties between the hospital and dozens of community organizations. For several years, she also oversaw Albany Med's marketing efforts, further cementing her indelible legacy as a bridge-builder within the region.

Pam was dedicated to her community, and served on many boards, including the Albany Institute of History & Art, the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, the University at Albany Foundation, KeyBank, and Albany Medical Center. Among other awards, she was honored by the New York State Legislature for her impact on the region, named one of the "100 Women of Excellence of the 20th Century," and recognized as the 2008 "Outstanding Communicator of the Year."

Beyond her professional life, Pam was a mentor and advocate for many in the Albany community. She was a trusted confidante and advisor to numerous business and community leaders. Her impact was felt far and wide, not only because of her wisdom, but also because of the genuine care she brought to every relationship. Pam supported dozens of young people in building their public relations and marketing careers. Through her mentorship and her investment in the next generation of leaders, she shaped the very story of our region.

In 2014, Pam married Gordon E. Olson, and together they embraced a life of adventure. Their travels took them from the Hudson Valley and Berkshire Mountains to Vancouver and London, with memorable stops in Gordon's hometown of Mobridge, S.D. Wherever they went, Pam and Gordon sought out museums, concerts, and theater performances. In 2020, they began the next chapter of their lives in Venice, Fla.

Pam was an Anglophile at heart, spending over 30 Christmas holidays in London. She built an impressive collection of more than 300 books on the British and Russian royal families and amassed over 100 English enamel boxes. Her love for British culture and history was only matched by her generosity. When she wasn't in London for the holidays, Pam hosted grand

parties for her friends, especially those from Albany's Center Square, where she lived for more than 49 years.

Pam was born in Cropseyville on Feb. 7, 1949, to Marjorie Rising (Ransom) and John A. Howe. She was predeceased by her sister, Victoria (Mark McCarty). She is survived by her beloved husband, Gordon E. Olson; her siblings, Todd and Sally; her stepchildren, Beth Hage and Paul Brown; her close nephew, Matthew McCarty (Megan Murphy); as well as extended family across North America and a wide circle of close friends.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 11, 2025, at 11am at the Bush Memorial Center (50 1st Ave., Troy). Memorial donations may be made in Pam's name to the Albany Medical Center Foundation, either online ( http://albanymed.org/albanyfoundation) or by cheque mailed to: Albany Medical Center | c/o Albany Medical Center Foundation | 43 New Scotland Ave., MC-119 | Albany, NY, 12208.