Lainy Burress, Manager of Strategic Impact

Lainy Burress serves as the Manager of Strategic Impact at ECIC. She brings experience in project management, community-engaged research, and grant-funded program leadership to advance equitable systems that support children, families, and communities across Michigan.

Prior to joining ECIC, Lainy worked with the Michigan State University Primary Care Research Collaborative, where she supported federally and foundation-funded research initiatives focused on enhancing health systems and advancing equity. She coordinated multi-partner projects and facilitated collaboration across academic, clinical, and community stakeholders to support strong implementation and shared impact.

Lainy also brings experience leading community-based programs in her hometown of Muskegon through roles with Michigan State University Extension, the Boys & Girls Club of Muskegon Lakeshore, and local nonprofit organizations. In these roles, she oversaw grant-funded initiatives, strengthened partnerships with schools and community organizations, and supported efforts to improve health and well-being locally.

In addition to her applied work, Lainy has contributed to peer-reviewed research examining racial and ethnic disparities in Type 2 diabetes complications and outcomes. During her graduate training, she also examined maternal health policy in Michigan, including doula coverage and its implications for maternal health equity.

Lainy holds a Master of Public Health from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic. Her work is driven by a commitment to culturally responsive, community-centered approaches that improve health and opportunity for all.