Dr. Marlen J. Trujillo

Dr. Marlen J. Trujillo is a nationally recognized public health leader, healthcare executive and community advocate dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare and reducing health disparities for underserved populations. As chief executive officer of Spring Branch Community Health Center, she leads one of the region’s premier Federally Qualified Health Centers, providing comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health and social services to individuals and families throughout the Greater Houston area.

A founding board member of the organization in 2002, Dr. Trujillo helped establish what began as a faith-based charity clinic serving uninsured women with limited English proficiency. In 2007, at just 27 years old, she became the youngest chief executive officer of a Federally Qualified Health Center in Texas. Today, she leads a team of 275 employees, oversees a $32 million annual budget and serves more than 25,000 patients each year. She is responsible for guiding the organization’s strategic vision, financial stewardship, operational excellence and community partnerships while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

Born and raised in Houston’s Spring Branch community to Mexican and Colombian immigrant parents, Dr. Trujillo’s passion for healthcare equity was shaped by her own family’s experiences navigating access to medical care. A first-generation American who is fluent in English and Spanish, she has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes by addressing the medical, social and economic challenges that affect underserved communities.

Before leading Spring Branch Community Health Center, Dr. Trujillo held leadership positions in urban planning, nonprofit organizations and city government, experiences that strengthened her collaborative approach to community development and public health. She has also built lasting partnerships with schools, faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, philanthropic organizations and government leaders to expand access to healthcare and improve the quality of life for families across the region.

Dr. Trujillo earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and marketing from the University of Houston, a Master of Business Administration in international business from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Doctor of Philosophy in public health from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. Widely recognized for her visionary leadership, she remains committed to advancing innovative healthcare solutions, mentoring future leaders and creating healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.

Dr Trujillo and her husband, Arturo, live in the Spring Branch Community with their three children and worship at St. Jerome Catholic Church.