Brenda Simmons

CEO/President

Brenda Simmons is the President and CEO of the Institute for Public Strategies (IPS), where she has dedicated more than two decades to advancing public health, equity, and community-driven change. She joined IPS as a community organizer in 2003 and was appointed CEO in 2019.

Throughout her career, Brenda has brought together residents, public agencies, researchers, healthcare leaders, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to address complex community challenges. Her experience includes leading prevention initiatives in rural Montana and on tribal reservations, establishing IPS’s first Los Angeles County office, and launching the organization’s substance use prevention work in West Hollywood.

Brenda believes public health is inseparable from equity, social justice, and the social and community conditions that shape people’s lives. Her leadership is grounded in the conviction that meaningful and lasting change happens when organizations work alongside communities—not for them—and when those most affected by problems help lead the solutions.

As CEO, Brenda leads a talented team committed to strengthening communities, building local power, and advancing policy and systems change. She is known for bringing people together across differences and believes that solving complex problems begins with treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Brenda holds a master’s degree in communication from San Diego State University and completed her undergraduate studies in communication at the University of Montana.