Mary Brinig is the deputy director of the LEAP Institute, which supports San Mateo County Health’s efforts to empower staff to identify and solve problems quickly and effectively, to develop processes that achieve better health outcomes and to leverage the scientific method for continuous improvement. 

Her previous experience includes roles as a small business owner, data analyst and management consultant. When she joined the LEAP Institute in 2014, the work immediately resonated with her for its combination of broad systems thinking, rigorous scientific approaches and aspiration to empower every individual to contribute and develop. She is honored to participate in County Health’s ongoing evolution of its LEAP methods, with the goals of enabling more staff to use LEAP and to integrate improvement into all work across the department.

Brinig holds a B.S. degree in biology from Yale University and a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from Stanford University.  She is also certified in several improvement and coaching frameworks.

She enjoys cooking of all types, especially complicated baking projects and fun party food. She also enjoys participating in and teaching group exercise classes and reading mystery stories late at night.