Jackie Hunter, DC, is a multifaceted leader who serves as chief diversity and inclusion officer at The University of Vermont Health Network, based in Burlington. Dr. Hunter’s journey into healthcare evolved from delivering chiropractic care to becoming an advocate for change. She aims to demonstrate—for her children, for those she works alongside and for her communities—the need to embrace who we are and who others are, inclusive of differences and similarities. In all aspects of her work, Dr. Hunter seeks to connect with, inspire and empower those around her, helping them to become champions of a culture of belonging and agents of change.

In October 2021, Dr. Hunter became the UVM Health Network’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer. In this role, she coordinates, develops, leads, expands and integrates diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for a health system that serves more than 1 million people in Vermont and Northern New York, and employs more than 15,000 people. Her priorities include creating a culture of inclusivity, addressing health disparities and eliminating language-access barriers, all of which contribute to UVMHN’s commitment to health equity.

Prior to joining UVM Health Network, Dr. Hunter served as senior director of diversity/inclusion and the talent pipeline at Banner Health in Arizona. She spent six years creating and leading Banner’s first diversity and inclusion department. Key milestones included the rollout of systemwide unconscious bias trainings to thousands of team members; the establishment of an administrative fellowship program; and the creation of more inclusive practices and policies that foster a safe and welcoming environment for all. She developed partnerships with community leaders to tackle healthcare disparities that affect underserved communities. She oversaw the Banner Center for Health Careers, which empowers employees to pursue higher education. Additionally, Dr. Hunter led the implementation of resource groups across the system, including groups for veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, women and African Americans/Black Americans.

Dr. Hunter is a servant leader, courageous and not afraid to challenge the status quo and encourage a different way of thinking. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, CHEF and the National Association of Health Services Executives. In 2021, she was named one of Modern Healthcare’s “Diversity Leaders to Watch.”