Leslie Kowalewski serves as Executive Director of CMQCC/CPQCC and the new CA-PQC, housed at Stanford University School of Medicine. An accomplished public health leader with decades of experience advancing maternal and infant health outcomes in California, Leslie is responsible for strengthening collaboration across the organizations and working closely with CA-PQC Leadership, the Executive Steering Committee, the Advisory Council, State of California leaders, and other experts to foster a multidisciplinary approach that uplifts community and patient and family voices. She remains dedicated to ensuring that the CA-PQC's vision and strategies are implemented comprehensively through partnerships and shared decision-making.
Previously, Leslie served as the CMQCC Administrative Director from 2020 - December 2022, leading the development and implementation of strategic and tactical plans for growth in quality improvement, educational, and research activities. In addition, she led and developed staff leaders who oversee and implement initiatives and priorities to end preventable morbidity, mortality, and racial disparities in maternity care.
Leslie's commitment to improving maternal and infant health spans the trajectory of her career. Prior to joining CMQCC, she led the buildout of statewide programs and coordinated State and local partnerships in her role as Chief of the Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Division for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Prior to joining CDPH, Leslie spent 20 years at the March of Dimes (MOD) Foundation. During that time, she established the MOD Big 5 Perinatal Collaborative and co-led the development of the Elimination of Non-medically Indicated (Elective) Deliveries Before 39 Weeks Gestational Age toolkit in partnership with CMQCC, led efforts to expand standardized newborn screening and helped launch the CA Prematurity Campaign among other milestones.
Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Education from Oregon State University.
Pronouns: She/Her