Biography Of Whitney Perkins Witt

Whitney Perkins Witt, PhD, MPH, stands out as a globally recognized leader in population health, health equity, and health innovation Over her 30-year career, she has led diverse teams in the creation and execution of strategic health initiatives, comprehensive research, and pioneering community health programs. Her extensive work in healthcare delivery and financing has markedly improved cost, quality, and patient outcomes, evidenced by her acquisition of significant

federal and foundational funding, her publication of influential research, and her prominent leadership positions.

Dedicated Research Leadership

Dr. Witt's exemplary career includes significant contributions to equity-focused research, particularly regarding the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) She has managed multimillion-dollar, federally funded research studies and technical assistance projects from institutions such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Her collaborative projects have also received support from the Veterans Administration (VA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), along with foundational backing from entities like the Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Foundation and the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Extensive Career Across Multiple Sectors

Dr. Witt's professional journey spans academia, corporate entities, nonprofit organizations, and government roles, showcasing her expertise in business development, strategy, and operations. She notably served as the inaugural Dean of the College of Health at Lehigh University, where she was pivotal in launching the university's first programs focused on population health and health innovation, demonstrating her capacity to lead and manage extensive financial portfolios and operational budgets.

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration

Known for her ability to forge key partnerships and cultivate a collaborative, transparent team culture, Whitney Perkins Witt has developed and maintained relationships with various significant US-based and international academic institutions, corporations, NGOs, foundations, and governmental organizations. These collaborations have supported her successful fundraising and strategic campaign initiatives.

Current Roles and Impact

Dr. Witt currently excels as the President and CEO of the Health Equity Consulting (HEC) Group, where she drives the organization's efforts to offer comprehensive solutions for achieving health equity. Additionally, as the Vice President of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) at Highmark Health, she leads and supervises major community health initiatives and research strategies to improve public health outcomes across diverse populations

Academic Foundations and Previous Positions

Before her roles at Highmark and HEC, Dr. Witt held several notable positions, including vice president at AmeriSpeak and as the inaugural Dean at Lehigh University's College of Health. Her earlier academic appointments have been with esteemed institutions like Harvard Medical School, Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison She holds advanced degrees in health policy and management and public health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, alongside a bachelor's degree in law and women's studies from Hampshire College.

Through her leadership, research, and academic endeavors, Whitney Perkins Witt has profoundly influenced the landscape of public health, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and policy to enhance health outcomes globally.