Michael Goetz

Background

About Michael Goetz

I am an implementation scientist and applied research leader with more than 20 years of experience helping public-serving systems translate evidence into operational change. My work sits at the intersection of research, policy, and execution across healthcare, behavioral health, education, and complex public systems.I lead multi-site initiatives that require aligning diverse stakeholders, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and moving evidence-based practices from design to sustained implementation. My experience spans mixed-methods research, implementation strategy, policy analysis, and project leadership in contract- and grant-funded environments.Through the NIH-funded HEALing Communities Study, I have led stakeholder engagement and implementation efforts across 16 counties and more than 45 partner organizations, supporting adoption of evidence-based interventions for opioid use disorder and integration of peer and care navigation roles into treatment systems. Earlier in my career, I partnered with state agencies and legislators to design equitable school finance systems and school improvement strategies.Across sectors, the through-line is disciplined execution, analytical rigor, and the ability to translate complex data into practical system-level decisions. I am known for steady leadership, clarity in ambiguity, and the ability to move diverse partners from conversation to coordinated action.I am particularly interested in roles that sit at the intersection of research, implementation, and strategy, where strong execution and collaborative leadership are essential to meaningful systems change.