Portrait of Elena Marks

Elena M. Marks

Senior Fellow in Health Policy

Biography

Elena M. Marks, J.D., M.P.H., is the senior fellow in health policy at the Baker Institute. Her work focuses on achieving health equity in the U.S. by reforming the $4.1 trillion health system so that it produces positive health outcomes, not just medical services. This work includes incorporating the delivery of and payment for nonmedical interventions into the system when appropriate to improve health outcomes.

Marks has been affiliated with the Baker Institute in a variety of capacities since 2010. Previously, she served as the founding president and CEO of the Episcopal Health Foundation, a $1.3 billion nonprofit, from 2014 to 2022 and as the director of health and environmental policy for the city of Houston from 2004 to 2009. Earlier in her career, she practiced law and started, built and sold a successful law-related business.

Marks holds a bachelor’s degree from Emory University, a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law and a master’s in public health from The University of Texas School of Public Health.

Contact at emm4@rice.edu.