Marilyn Johnson

Senior Consultant

Health Management Associates

New Orleans, LA

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An innovative public health administrator, Marilyn Johnson has demonstrated success in strategic planning, program leadership, financial management, and operational efficiency improvements. She has more than 15 years of public health experience specializing in maternal and child health and reproductive health, including policy, regulatory compliance, and care quality experience.
Throughout her career, Marilyn has been a strong advocate for health equity, leading initiatives and developing strategies that address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Her work has consistently focused on ensuring underserved populations receive equitable care, successfully implementing programs that prioritize inclusivity and community engagement.

Before joining Health Management Associates, Marilyn was an independent consultant, providing research, analysis, and technical assistance to inform clients’ strategic planning and improvement initiatives. She assisted clients with program development, quality improvement, policy analysis, financial and grant planning, grant writing and fundraising strategies, and operational improvements. Marilyn also played a pivotal role in helping organizations launch and expand successful behavioral health facilities and initiatives. Her efforts ensured that programs were not only effectively designed and implemented but also positioned for long-term financial and operational viability.

Prior to her consulting work, Marilyn was director of operations for CityMatCH, a national organization of public health leaders promoting equity and improving the health of urban women, families and communities. She managed the organization’s comprehensive operations, including financial oversight, grant administration, personnel management and program operations to align with federal and state agency requirements and improve organizational performance.

Marilyn is a skilled leader and administrator with a background managing and directing large-scale public health programs. At the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Marilyn led the Women’s Health Bureau’s operations, served as the State Title V Maternal and Child Health Director, and the State Title X Reproductive Health Director. Leveraging her expertise in programmatic operations, policy, and regulatory compliance, she developed state-level programs, introduced standards and control measures, conducted statewide needs assessments, and implemented strategies to improve healthcare equity and access.

Marilyn also spearheaded quality improvement initiatives across multiple programs and managed revenue cycle processes to enhance financial performance. Her efforts resulted in the financial stabilization and growth of key reproductive health programs, transforming them from a challenging financial position to a sustainable and effective service delivery model.

Proficient in data analysis, Marilyn promotes data-driven decision-making that enhances outcomes and ensures strategies are evidence-based. Marilyn’s commitment to using data to inform and guide her work has been instrumental in driving successful health initiatives and fostering impactful community engagement. She prioritizes collaboration with stakeholders, including community organizations, internal and external team members, and government agencies. Her experience includes leading multidisciplinary teams, facilitating community partnerships, developing internal and external communication strategies and materials, and delivering educational programs.

Marilyn earned her Master of Business Administration and her bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Ashford University.