MARIANA MARQUES
BALTIMORE,Maryland
Summary
Project management leader with over 15 years of experience in directing complex initiatives within healthcare and public sectors. Expertise in full-cycle project management and strategic planning, successfully leading cross-functional teams to achieve measurable results. Proficient in stakeholder engagement, change management, and performance optimization, with a history of managing portfolios up to $680M. Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and cultivate high-performing teams.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager
Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, USA
01.2020 - 05.2025
- Led full-cycle project management for a $30M global portfolio, overseeing strategic planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting across multiple concurrent initiatives
- Designed and managed complex, multi-country programs requiring coordination of diverse stakeholders including bilateral donors, government agencies, and NGO partners
- Developed comprehensive project plans, timelines, dashboards, and status reports to track deliverables and ensure accountability across project teams
- Conducted ongoing performance monitoring and implemented data-driven optimization strategies, adapting approaches based on emerging challenges and lessons learned
- Served as trusted advisor to senior leadership on program performance, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making
- Managed stakeholder relationships and communication strategies, facilitating debriefings and ensuring alignment on project goals and deliverables
- Implemented process improvements and standardized procedures to enhance operational efficiency and project outcomes
Grant Management Specialist
District of Columbia Department of Health
Washington, USA
02.2019 - 01.2020
- Served as strategic advisor managing multimillion-dollar portfolio of disease surveillance and laboratory capacity programs
- Led grant planning, compliance monitoring, and reporting processes ensuring alignment with federal regulations and organizational goals
- Oversaw budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to optimize project delivery and meet strategic objectives
- Coordinated with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution of deliverables
Chief of Staff for Public Health Services
Maryland Department of Health
Baltimore, USA
05.2017 - 02.2019
- Provided executive oversight and strategic direction for 23 Local Health Departments and 9 public health administrations, coordinating resources across 1,000+ staff
- Managed enterprise-wide planning and performance management frameworks for a $680M operating budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
- Led cross-functional initiatives spanning multiple departments, facilitating collaboration and driving accountability for measurable results
- Developed and implemented performance metrics and monitoring systems to track outcomes and inform strategic adjustments
- Directed change management initiatives and communication strategies to ensure stakeholder engagement and successful implementation of new policies and procedures
- Coordinated with executive leadership on strategic planning, resource allocation, and operational improvements
- Led teams through complex organizational changes while maintaining service quality and staff engagement
Policy Advisor
Executive Office of the Governor of Maryland
Annapolis, USA
02.2015 - 05.2017
- Advised cabinet-level leadership on health policy initiatives, coordinating cross-agency strategies to improve population health outcomes
- Managed complex stakeholder relationships including state agencies, federal partners, and the Maryland Congressional delegation
- Led policy development and implementation efforts requiring collaboration across multiple organizational levels and external partners
- Facilitated communication and alignment among diverse stakeholders to advance strategic priorities
Program Manager, Division of Clinical Care & Research
Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Baltimore, USA
01.2012 - 07.2014
- Managed $10M international portfolio spanning clinical programs and training initiatives across four countries
- Built and maintained partnerships with Ministries of Health, aligning program objectives with national priorities and regulatory requirements
- Provided technical guidance and capacity-building support to healthcare professionals in complex, resource-constrained environments
- Ensured compliance with donor requirements and international reporting standards through systematic monitoring and quality control
Manager, Strategic Information, Research & Training
Institute of Human Virology
Abuja, Nigeria
09.2010 - 12.2011
- Directed 66-person department across five regional offices, overseeing data systems, research initiatives, and training programs
- Streamlined data collection and reporting processes across 83 healthcare facilities, improving data quality and operational decision-making
- Led implementation of performance improvement strategies and standard operating procedures to enhance service delivery
Director, Research Program Development
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Baltimore, USA
05.2007 - 10.2010
- Led development and pursuit of federal grants and contracts to expand institutional research capacity
- Provided pre- and post-award oversight for multimillion-dollar projects, ensuring compliance and optimal resource utilization
- Directed complex, multi-state competitive bid processes requiring coordination of diverse stakeholders and technical teams
Education
Master of Public Health - Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05-2026
Graduate Certificate - Public Health Preparedness
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MDMaster of Arts - Government
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MDBachelor of Arts - International Relations, French
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MDSkills
- Project portfolio management
- Strategic planning and execution
- Stakeholder engagement
- Change management
- Performance optimization and KPI development
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Budget management
- Process improvement and standardization
- Data-driven decision making
- Healthcare operations
- Compliance and risk mitigation
- Staff development and mentorship
- Project management software proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data analytics and dashboard development
- Performance monitoring systems
- Budget management systems proficiency
- Electronic health records management
- Power BI
- Tableau
- Multilingual: Portuguese, French, Spanish
Affiliations
- Truman National Security Project, Fellow, 2006–Present
- New Leaders Council, Fellow, 2009, Washington, DC Chapter Advisory Board (2009–2010)
Core Expertise
- Project Portfolio Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Change Management
- Performance Optimization & KPI Development
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Budget Management ($10M–$680M)
- Process Improvement & Standardization
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Healthcare Operations
- Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Staff Development & Mentorship
Languages
Portuguese
Full Professional
French
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Certification
DPro Project Management
Timeline
Program Manager
Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University
01.2020 - 05.2025
Grant Management Specialist
District of Columbia Department of Health
02.2019 - 01.2020
Chief of Staff for Public Health Services
Maryland Department of Health
05.2017 - 02.2019
Policy Advisor
Executive Office of the Governor of Maryland
02.2015 - 05.2017
Program Manager, Division of Clinical Care & Research
Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
01.2012 - 07.2014
Manager, Strategic Information, Research & Training
Institute of Human Virology
09.2010 - 12.2011
Director, Research Program Development
University of Maryland School of Medicine
05.2007 - 10.2010
Master of Public Health - Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
Graduate Certificate - Public Health Preparedness
Johns Hopkins University
Master of Arts - Government
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations, French
Johns Hopkins University