Marianne Udow-Phillips

Marianne Udow-Phillips was appointed director of The Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation in September 2007. The Center is a joint venture of the University of Michigan Health Systems and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, dedicated to promoting evidence-based care delivery, improving population health, and helping to achieve universal access to care.

Prior to her role with the Center, Ms. Udow-Phillips was the director of the Michigan Department of Human Services, appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in January 2004-2007. DHS is Michigan's public assistance, child and family welfare agency, and administers a number of special entities including the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, the Children's Trust Fund, the Michigan Community Service Commission, and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.

Prior to her appointment at DHS, Ms. Udow-Phillips served as senior vice president of Health Care Products and Provider Services for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She was also the former senior vice president and vice president of plans and operations for Mercy Alternative and Care Choices. She has a master's degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

In addition to her long-standing commitment to improving the quality and affordability of health care, Ms. Udow-Phillips is a passionate advocate for improving the lives of the poor with a special emphasis on children, including a focus on early childhood development. She has served on many boards and commissions. Among others, her current board involvement includes the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, Michigan State Housing Authority, School of Public Health Dean's Advisory Committee, and Freedom from Hunger. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Anti-Defamation League's "Women of Achievement Award," Crain's Detroit Business top 100 "Most Influential Women" in 2002 and 2007, Wayne State College of Nursing's "2003 Lifeline Award," Girl Scouts of Huron Valley Council's "2006 Women of Distinction Award," Michigan Business and Professional Association's "2006 Women & Leadership in the Workplace Award," Michigan Fatherhood Coalition's "2007 Child Advocate Award," Michigan Women's Foundation's "2007 Women of Achievement and Courage Award," and most recently, the 2008 Michigan's Children's "Heroes" award.