Whitney Perkins Witt, PhD, MPH, has been a prominent figure in the areas of population health, health equity, and health innovation, dedicating over thirty years to advancing these fields. Her extensive career is highlighted by her leadership in integrating healthcare delivery and financing, which has led to notable improvements in the efficiency, quality, and outcomes of healthcare systems globally. Dr. Witt's efforts have been substantiated by her success in securing significant funding from federal agencies and foundations, producing influential research, and occupying strategic leadership roles that have profoundly shaped health policy and practice.
Dr. Witt has been unwavering in her commitment to health equity and addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH). As Principal Investigator or Program Director, she has managed numerous significant federally funded research projects, receiving support from 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 collaborative efforts have also included projects funded by the Veterans Administration (VA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Additionally, her research has garnered backing from the Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Foundation and the American Cancer Society (ACS), including essential studies on the multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic using advanced data analytics.
Throughout her career, Whitney Witt has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise across a variety of sectors, including academia, corporate environments, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. Her strategic planning, business development, and operational skills were incredibly impactful during her tenure at IBM Watson Health and similar organizations, where she spearheaded the introduction of innovative health technologies and programs. As the inaugural Dean of the College of Health at Lehigh University, she launched the university's first programs in population health, overseeing comprehensive financial and strategic developments that expanded the institution's educational and research capacities.
Dr. Witt's success in building and maintaining strategic partnerships has facilitated effective collaborations with a range of stakeholders, including academic institutions, corporations, and governmental and non-governmental organizations both in the U.S. and internationally. These partnerships have been crucial in advancing her health equity initiatives. As the current President and CEO of the Health Equity Consulting (HEC) Group, Dr. Witt directs the development and implementation of comprehensive solutions that address the complex challenges of health disparities.
In her previous role as Vice President of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) at Highmark Health, Whitney Witt led comprehensive community health initiatives and SDOH strategies that effectively addressed social inequities and improved health outcomes through targeted, community-specific interventions.
Her earlier positions at NORC at the University of Chicago and as Dean at Lehigh University highlighted her strategic and innovative leadership, which significantly enhanced the educational and research capabilities related to population health. Her leadership at IBM Watson Health focused on strategic research initiatives in maternal and child health, promoting the adoption and implementation of value-based care models that have influenced health policy and outcomes significantly.
Dr. Witt is also renowned for her pioneering contributions to health technology. She led teams that developed cutting-edge healthcare solutions incorporating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. Her innovative efforts in this area have been recognized globally, earning her numerous accolades.
A prolific scholar and mentor, Whitney Witt has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters, focusing on advanced data analytics for health policy, value-based payment reforms, and improving health outcomes for families and children. Her commitment to mentorship has been recognized with multiple awards, underscoring her dedication to fostering the professional growth of healthcare professionals.
Educated at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. Witt has held esteemed academic positions at Harvard Medical School, Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her academic journey began at Hampshire College, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Law and Women's Studies. Whitney Perkins Witt continues to be a leading voice and visionary in the health sector, actively shaping innovative policies and practices that significantly improve public health worldwide.
The Health Equity Consulting (HEC) Group
To learn more, Watch Now:
Lehigh College of Health COVID-19 Zoom webinar with dean and faculty panel
Lehigh Health, Science & Technology Building Groundbreaking
Lehigh's New College of Health: Q&A with Dean Witt
Population Health Colloquium Series: The Impact of COVID-19 on Women, Children and Families
Population Health Colloquium Series: Letters from the COVID Trenches
Population Health Weekly: College of Health Faculty Talk Research & Experiential Learning
Live Q&A with Lehigh's President and College Deans
Lehigh Population Health Weekly: Research and Experiential Learning
Portfolio Website: https://whitneywitt.com
