Marianne Udow-Phillips

Marianne Udow-Phillips is the principal of Mu Consulting and a lecturer at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. She is also senior adviser to the Center for Health and Research Transformation at the University of Michigan and on faculty at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. In her current roles, Marianne provides strategic consulting and mentorship to advance social justice, improve population health and strengthen the effectiveness of health, public health and mental health systems.

Marianne was the founding executive director of the Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) at the University of Michigan. As an independent 501(c)(3) impact organization, CHRT works to advance evidence-based care delivery, improve population health, and expand access to care by transforming research and evidence into actionable policy approaches. Prior to her leadership role at CHRT, Marianne served as director of the State of Michigan’s Department of Human Services (2004-2007) where she oversaw services and programs—child support, food assistance, child welfare, juvenile justice, and public assistance—for Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens.

Marianne came to state service from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). At BCBSM, she served in leadership roles for more than 20 years and ended her service as senior vice president of health care products and provider services with responsibility for the organization’s social mission, health policy, data analysis, and care and network management programs. 

Marianne has served on numerous boards and commissions.  Her current boards include Arbor Research for Health, University of Michigan Health System and the Grameen Foundation.  Current advisory boards include the University of Michigan Depression Center, University of Michigan School of Public Health and Michigan Women Forward Emeritus Board. Prior governing or advisory boards include HighScope Educational Research Foundation, Dialogue Direct, Early Childhood Investment Corporation and Arboretum Ventures.

Marianne has received numerous awards and honors over the years including the Anti-Defamation League’s “Women of Achievement Award,” Crain’s Detroit Business’s top 100 “Most Influential Women Award,” the Michigan Women’s Foundation’s “Women of Achievement and Courage Award,” and the Michigan Children’s “Heroes” Award. Ambassador Magazine named her an Ambassador of the Year in 2011 and Crain’s Detroit Business named her a Woman in Business Game-Changer in 2012. 

Marianne holds a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health and serves as a lecturer for both the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and School of Public Health.

Educational background

• MHSA in public health, University of Michigan
• BA in psychology, Hamilton-Kirkland Colleges

Professional affiliations

• Principal, MuConsulting
• Senior advisor, CHRT

Current research

Current focus on social determinants of health; mental health and aging policy