This presentation for Eval 2013 examines the evolving role of an internal evaluator leading a collaborative effort that applied rapid tests of change to improve client outcomes in a public mental health setting. The Recovery Model represents a paradigm shift in community mental health that emphasizes client strengths, independent living, use of peer support, and client engagement in meaningful activities. San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and an intensive case management program conducted a year of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) testing to improve recovery practices. The SFDPH evaluator led the team, ensuring clarity in data indicators, focused PDSAs, effective data collection, attention to PDSA timing, and synthesis of learning that generated the feedback loop into continuous testing. Capacity to identify system barriers to improvement, and recognition of the need for more leadership engagement as well as clinician "buy-in", were also critical to the process and stretched the traditional evaluator role to positive effect. #PDSA #qualityimprovement #ModelforImprovement #recoverymodel #BehavioralHealth #Evaluatorrole #mentalhealth