Mara Herman

Mara Herman is a policy specialist and advocacy campaign manager with more than seven years of experience working on environmental issues, including toxic chemical exposure, climate change, and water and air quality. As the Health Policy Specialist for the Ecology Center, Mara managed the Health Leaders Fellowship program, coordinated the Great Lakes Lead Elimination Network, and educated decision-makers, health professionals, and the public on the connections between the environment and human health. She worked closely with partners and legislators throughout the state and nationally on campaigns to strengthen environmental policies, support impacted communities, and improve public health outcomes.

Mara earned her Master’s in Public Health and Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Health Promotion from Michigan State University. While in graduate school, Mara was selected as an Ecology Center 2014 Health Leaders Fellow for her work related to environmental advocacy and health outcomes. She was chosen as a 2020 Great Lakes Regional Fellow for the Environmental Leadership Program and continues her engagement as a Senior Fellow serving on selection committees. She was also chosen for Ecolibrium’s first Leaders For the Future program in 2021. She lives in Ferndale, Michigan where she can often be found practicing yoga, riding her bike, or walking other people’s dogs.