Honoring the passing of Shelby Spencer
Briotix Health mourns the passing of former CTO, Shelby Spencer. Shelby passed away early November 5th. Survived by her husband, Rick Spencer, and daughter Katelyn, we extend our deepest condolences in this difficult time.
Shelby started her career with Briotix Health in 2008, when it was known as Omega Health Systems. She engineered innovations and strategies in technology that pushed the company, and her associates forward as professionals and people. An expert in anything she set her mind to, Shelby was integral in laying the foundation for what Briotix Health is today.
Shelby was an undaunted advocate for the people around her, her beliefs, and those still on their journeys in the workforce or life. Mentoring women in technology and start-up founders, Shelby's impact is felt throughout the connections she built.
She will be sorely missed.
Words from Shelby's coworkers and friends
She was quite possibly the most brilliant person I have ever known. If you knew her, you understand how she applied that skill continuously through her career with us. Shelby never stood for the status quo in ANY respect and would always speak her mind. I respected and admired this about her. She taught me and others that one should always stand up for what they believe is right. When she would advocate for a belief, she would do so passionately, but then also acquiesce when she was convinced that her belief was not the best course to follow. She always used to say she had “strong opinions loosely held.” This always stuck with me as a guiding principle. Stand up for what you believe, but always be open to alternative ways of thinking. I think we can all learn from this approach to life and relationships.
Over the course of so many years, she was my boss, my mentor, and eventually, someone I got to know as a friend. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known her in so many ways. She always had a clear vision, seeing it through from start to finish, and that vision was one we could all trust. She had an extraordinary ability to see the best in every single person and knew exactly how to inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves—often without us even realizing it. Her leadership wasn’t just about following through, but about seeing a path for each of us and helping us navigate it. She created a team culture where we thrived, a culture that we all loved and respected. She truly believed in her team, and for me personally, she pushed me in ways I never thought possible.
Her sense of humor was infectious—at times, you couldn’t help but shake your head because we all just needed that laugh. She had this brilliant way of lightening the mood while keeping us moving forward, blending humor with purpose in a way that only she could. Her brilliance extended beyond her work—it was in the way she led, inspired, and made each of us feel valued.
Her impact will never be forgotten, and I am forever grateful for the lessons she taught me—lessons I will carry with me always.
Shelby was one of those individuals you don’t meet very often in life. It is impossible to be in a room with her (physical or virtual) and not come away changed on some level. Yes she was hilarious, tenacious, brilliant, meticulous. Her contributions to Briotix is immeasurable and deep rooted. But what an honor to be close enough to her to observe how deeply she cared. Cared for the world. Cared for her family. For her team. For her friends. For her company. Her level of compassion + action is something I have yet to find in any other individual. How she took action when someone needed some support outside of the scope of the job. How she cried for her colleagues when they themselves faced difficult life moments. How she always became a resource for others. That is what will forever stick with me about Shelby.
At the end of the day she was my good friend. She was loved immeasurably and will be deeply missed.
Shelby is beyond brilliant in so many ways, but she is so very humble. She had the understanding, patience and vision to make things happen when the rest of us were unsure.
Shelby said once early on “If they asked us to build a space shuttle, then we will.”
Shelby believed in you even if you didn’t believe in yourself. She is tenacious & we all loved that about her. Shelby’s laughter, energy, empathy, are forever inspiring to me & everyone that knew her.
She would say the most profound and beautiful things just out of the blue, such as “Live your life, and live it full. Don’t waste a single day.”
This world is different for me since she came into my life. Shelby is deeply engrained in my being & I know she had that affect on many others.
Shelby is always with us and will be every step of the way.