Mari Bayer

Mari comes to the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute with ten years of experience in project management, research, and technical assistance at the intersection of public safety and behavioral health. Prior to joining the Meadows Institute, Mari was a Project Manager at the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, where she led a team providing national technical assistance to communities expanding their first response options with community responder teams. She also served as a Research Associate at the Urban Institute and the U.S. Sentencing Commission, leading mixed-methods and community-engaged research, supporting government and community partnerships, and translating complex policy issues into actionable solutions.

At the Meadows Institute, Mari helps lead the day-to-day implementation of the Behavioral Health Emergency Response Initiative (BHERi)—a multi-year, statewide effort to strengthen community-based crisis response systems and improve coordination between 911, public safety, and behavioral health partners. Her work includes managing site teams, supporting cross-sector partnerships, and guiding strategy to align local innovation with statewide goals.

Mari earned her MA in Clinical Forensic Psychology from Pacific University and her BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Saint Louis University. She lives in Wylie, Texas with her husband, dog, and cat. Outside of work, she is an avid runner and volunteers as a keeper at a wildcat sanctuary.