Ann Marie Hess is the Director of the Office of Research Development & Strategy at Arizona State University’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, where she leads strategic initiatives that elevate research impact, funding success, and societal relevance. Her work spans faculty development, transdisciplinary collaboration, and multi-sector partnership building—all grounded in ASU’s charter values of inclusion, public value, and community well-being.
With over two decades of experience in research strategy and capacity-building, Ann Marie works across climate resilience, health equity, food systems, and sustainable economies to align ASU’s research enterprise with Arizona’s civic needs and global sustainability goals. She plays a key role in helping researchers navigate complex funding landscapes, refine their proposals, and translate bold ideas into scalable solutions with measurable benefit.
Her approach is shaped by early career work with Indigenous tribes in the Upper Midwest, where she practiced community-based participatory research rooted in mutual respect, shared governance, and knowledge sovereignty. These experiences continue to inform how she fosters partnerships that are ethical, inclusive, and enduring.
At ASU, Ann Marie serves as a strategic bridge between faculty and funders, supporting teams to embed principles of responsible innovation, equity, and public accountability into their work. She also advises on institutional policy, research infrastructure, and frameworks for scaling impact across disciplines.
Ann Marie is passionate about dismantling silos in academia and centering diverse perspectives in the pursuit of sustainability. Whether guiding large-scale federal grant strategies or co-developing research visions with community stakeholders, she ensures that knowledge production contributes meaningfully to a thriving, just, and resilient future for all.