North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced Dr. David Hunnicutt, as a 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 U.S.
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—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.
“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 including the United Nations, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, John Deere, and many others.
“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 Ph.D. 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, a significant investment 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.
The Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award totaling $198,936,969.55, with 100% funded by CMS. The contents are those of North Dakota Health and Human Services and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. government.