Marjorie Paloma, senior director, leads the Foundation’s efforts in cultivating strategic relationships and partnerships to advance a Culture of Health. Paloma believes that the Foundation is uniquely positioned to leverage research, investments, leadership, relationships and networks to create timely and enduring social change. A society where health is a shared value for all demands leadership and collaboration across multiple sectors – health, education, transportation, housing, urban planning, architecture, and more. And she feels that “businesses have a tremendous role to play in shaping our nation’s health.”
Most recently, she played an integral role in coordinating and supporting the Foundation’s strategic thinking efforts from which the Culture of Health vision emerged. Working at the executive level, Paloma’s efforts focus on engaging businesses, policymakers, community leaders, and philanthropy to support actions that make it easier for people to make healthy choices in the communities where they live, learn, work and play. In addition, she oversees the Foundation’s funding in New Jersey.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Paloma staffed the Wisconsin Tobacco Control Board, an 18-member governor-appointed board. In this capacity she provided guidance in the development and execution of a state tobacco control strategy and organized the state and local policy advocacy efforts. She believes that this experience showed her how bringing diverse partners to the table can create the power and influence to achieve enduring change. “It wasn’t your typical group. It was made up of elected officials with opposing political views, high school students, a medical school dean, a prominent business owner, community leaders and advocates. From their differing perspectives and viewpoints, we chose a collected goal. And what emerged was a laser focus and unwavering commitment to improving the health of Wisconsin’s residents.”
Born in Baltimore, Paloma earned an MPH from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and a BA in biology from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She resides with her wife in Central N.J., and has two children. She enjoys live music, cooking ethnic food, and has plans to hike every national park in her lifetime.