David Hunnicut

BISMARCK – North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced Dr. David Hunnicutt as its Rural Health Transformation Program strategist.

Hunnicutt brings more than two decades of nationally recognized leadership to this role, having served 20 years as CEO of WELCOA, one of the largest and most influential corporate health and wellness organizations in the United States. As principal of his own consulting firm, he spent seven years partnering with Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and the Impact Institute to design and launch initiatives that elevate leaders across North Dakota and strengthen the state’s capacity for long-term community well-being.

In his new role, he will guide strategic planning for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), bringing clarity, alignment and a systems-level perspective to ensure North Dakota maximizes the impact of its funding and accelerates meaningful change in rural communities, according to HHS.

“David is known for his rare ability to cut through and lead complex initiatives,” said HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor. ”I describe him as a brilliant communicator and an expert strategist who brings clarity where it’s needed most as we build a sustainable system for RHTP.”

Hunnicutt’s research and insights have benefited organizations that include the United Nations, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente and John Deere.

“This unprecedented opportunity that the RHTP brings to North Dakota is truly inspiring, and collaborating with the HHS team to build this program for the state has been fantastic,” Hunnicut said.

Hunnicutt received degrees from Concordia College, North Dakota State University, and holds a doctorate with a concentration in the areas of health and business from the University of New Mexico.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awarded North Dakota $199 million for the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen rural health systems, expand access to care and improve health outcomes for residents in rural communities. Future funding amounts will be determined by CMS based on the state’s progress in implementing the program.