Whitney Perkins Witt

Whitney Perkins Witt, PhD, MPH, has distinguished herself as a vanguard in the realms of population health, health equity, and health innovation, having dedicated over three decades to these critical areas. Her comprehensive career is marked by her strategic leadership in merging healthcare delivery with financing mechanisms, which has led to substantial improvements in healthcare cost efficiency, quality, and outcomes. Dr. Witt's professional impact is further evidenced by her successful acquisition of significant federal and foundational funding, prolific scholarly publications, and influential leadership roles that have made substantial contributions to shaping health policy and practices globally. Dr. Witt's dedication to promoting health equity and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is demonstrated through her leadership of several significant, federally funded research initiatives. Serving as Principal Investigator or Program Director, she has secured funding from prestigious agencies such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Her collaborations have extended to projects sponsored by the Veterans Administration (VA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with additional financial support from foundations like the Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Foundation and the American Cancer Society (ACS). Her notable work includes extensive research on the socio-economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging cutting-edge data analytics to influence public health decision-making processes. Throughout her career, Whitney Witt has demonstrated exceptional leadership across multiple sectors, including academia, private industry, and governmental and non-governmental organizations, showcasing her adeptness in strategic planning, business development, and operations. Her significant influence was particularly notable during her time at IBM Watson Health and similar organizations, where she championed the integration of innovative health technologies and programs. As the inaugural Dean of the College of Health at Lehigh University, she spearheaded the development of the university's first population health programs, managing extensive strategic and financial initiatives that significantly expanded the institution's educational and research profile. Dr. Witt has excelled in establishing and nurturing strategic partnerships and fostering collaborations with a diverse array of stakeholders, including academic institutions, corporations, and governmental and non-governmental organizations globally. These collaborations have been pivotal in advancing her health equity initiatives. Currently, as the President and CEO of the Health Equity Consulting (HEC) Group, Dr. Witt oversees the development and implementation of strategic solutions to combat health disparities, employing innovative approaches and methodologies. Previously, as the Vice President of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) at Highmark Health, Whitney Witt was instrumental in leading and implementing comprehensive community health initiatives and SDOH strategies that addressed social inequalities and enhanced health outcomes through targeted, community-specific projects. Her earlier roles at NORC at the University of Chicago and as Dean at Lehigh University were marked by her visionary leadership, which significantly broadened her educational and research capabilities in population health. At IBM Watson Health, her focus on strategic research initiatives in maternal and child health facilitated the implementation of value-based care models, profoundly impacting health policy and outcomes. Renowned for her pioneering work in health technology, Dr. Witt led teams that developed innovative healthcare delivery solutions utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing, addressing some of the most pressing health issues and earning her multiple industry honors. As a scholar and mentor, Whitney Witt has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters. Her research focuses on advanced data analytics to inform health policy, value-based payment reforms, and enhancing health outcomes for families and children. Her mentorship has been recognized with multiple awards, reflecting her commitment to nurturing the professional development of the next generation of health professionals. Educated at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. Witt has held esteemed academic appointments at Harvard Medical School, Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She began her academic journey at Hampshire College, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Law and Women's Studies. Whitney Perkins Witt continues to drive forward significant improvements in global public health, influencing innovative policies and practices that enhance health outcomes worldwide.