Press Release

UC Health Names System’s First Chief Diversity Officer

Jan. 2, 2020

CINCINNATI - UC Health, the region’s academic health system, has named Jeanetta Darno, SPHR, as the system’s first chief diversity officer.


In this new role, Darno will be responsible for leading efforts to advance the health system’s culture of inclusion, the development of behaviors that embrace diversity and inclusion at all levels, and the promotion of the system’s external reputation as a great place to wor

“Diversity and inclusion are a part of everything we do, and we’re proud to offer all members of our community the world-class care they can receive only at UC Health,” said Richard P. Lofgren, MD, president and chief executive officer. “We’re pleased to welcome Jeanetta and look forward to her leadership as we ensure UC Health, our employees and our business partners continue to reflect the communities we serve.”

Darno brings more than 20 years of experience in leading diversity, inclusion and human resources, most recently serving as vice president and global chief diversity and inclusion officer for Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Since 2000, she has also held director-level and above positions with Huntington National Bank, Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, Stanley Works and H-E-B Grocery Co.

Additionally, in 2004 she founded Strategic HR Advisors, a management consulting and executive coaching organization she still leads.

A globally recognized thought leader and speaker on diversity and inclusion, Darno has a proven track record in developing and implementing organizational change to drive diversity and talent management initiatives designed to support strategic business goals. In 2015, Jeanetta received the Ohio Diversity Council Most Powerful and Influential Woman Award.

Darno is also a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, having served as a captain in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1993. She received numerous awards and accommodations for outstanding performance and service, including for leading logistics movement control teams during Operation Desert Storm.

Darno holds a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University, a master’s degree in human resources from the University of Central Texas, a Master of Business Administration from The Ohio State University and recently completed Harvard’s Strategies for Building and Leading Diverse Organizations program.  She also serves on the national board of directors of Camp Fire and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council.

Media Contact

Amanda Nageleisen

Director of Media Relations

media@uchealth.com

513-585-8885