Marla is a trusted strategic partner, innovative program designer, community advocate and dot connector. Trained in both public health and marketing, her work brings organizations and people together to create healthy places, systems and policies that enable everyone to thrive. Her work has encouraged leaders across the country to break down silos and work together to ensure effective results.

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​Early in her career while at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Marla pioneered the “active living” movement, a key strategy for improved quality of life in America’s neighborhoods. That foundational work made healthy community design an essential focus area for transportation, urban planning and health professionals. Later in her career, for the American Heart Association, Marla led engagement and equity efforts that resulted in the passage of 200+ state and local equity-centered policy changes aimed at improving children’s health.

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​As a consultant, Marla knows how to get things done. She brings passion, innovation and strategic thought to all her projects. She believes that collaborative efforts lead to a culture of innovation and creative problem solving where everyone is encouraged to think beyond the norm, ultimately achieving powerful community-based solutions.

 

​​Marla received her BS in business management from Tulane University and her MPH  with concentrations in behavioral science and health education from Emory University. In her spare time, Marla enjoys traveling and getting out in nature. She lives in the Washington DC metro region with her family.

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Contact at marla@collab-strategies.com

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