As State Administrative Manager of the Strategic Alignment & Engagement Section in the Policy & Planning Division at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Molly Welch Marahar oversees the implementation of MDHHS strategic priorities related to Social Determinants of Health and Health Information Technology. Previously, as a policy specialist, Molly led initiatives focused on the justice-involved population, including projects aimed at improving Medicaid continuity for incarcerated beneficiaries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Molly served as a team lead on MDHHS COVID hotline and inbox, and as a deputy lead for content development. Prior to her work with the State of Michigan, Molly worked for the Center for Health and Research Transformation at the University of Michigan leading projects in behavioral health, publishing briefs on health policy, and organizing local community action around opioids. Before beginning her career in policy, Molly worked in direct service as a peer recovery coach and case manager at Dawn Farm, and as a clerk at the Washtenaw County Public Defender. Her experience in direct service was the impetus behind Molly’s decision to work toward health policy that centers the experiences of the people served. Molly holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Arts, also from the University of Michigan.