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Peggy Payne
Director, Health Equity at CIGNA Healthcare
Professional Background
Peggy HHHH Payne is a highly accomplished healthcare professional with extensive experience in health equity, multicultural communication, and dietetics. Currently serving as the Director of Health Equity at CIGNA Healthcare, she combines her passion for nutrition and health management with a strong commitment to promoting health equity among diverse populations. With a career spanning over several years, Peggy has held various key positions that showcase her leadership skills and dedication to improving health outcomes.
Before joining CIGNA Healthcare, Peggy made significant contributions as the Director of Multicultural Communication at the same organization. In this role, she focused on developing and implementing communication strategies that effectively reached and engaged multicultural communities, ensuring they received necessary health information and services. Peggy’s expertise in this area further emphasizes her dedication to culturally responsive care and communication.
Peggy’s career trajectory reflects her passion for health management and education. She has also served as the Director of Member Education and Cultural and Linguistic Services at SCAN Health Plan, where she innovated educational programs aimed at enhancing patient understanding and engagement. Her roles at Universal Care, which include Assistant Vice President of Health Management, underscore her extensive background in managing health education, cultural and linguistic services, and training programs. Peggy's leadership at Universal Care has played a key role in driving effective health management strategies that cater to the diverse needs of the populations they served.
With a solid foundation in nutritional science, Peggy has also excelled as a Medical Nutrition Therapist, both at Universal Care and Professional Nutrition Services. Her clinical expertise enables her to design and implement comprehensive nutritional programs that promote healthier lifestyle choices among patients.
Education and Achievements
Peggy HHHH Payne’s academic foundation is solidified with multiple degrees from California State University-Long Beach, where she pursued her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Dietetics and Dietitian, alongside a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. Additionally, she has earned a Gerontology Certificate, which provides her with a nuanced understanding of the health needs and challenges faced by aging populations.
Her educational achievements not only highlight her dedication and commitment to the field of dietetics but also reflect her continuous pursuit of knowledge that informs her practice. Peggy’s specialized education in dietetics coupled with her gerontology studies ensures she is well-equipped to address the distinct nutritional needs associated with different age demographic groups.
Achievements
Throughout her illustrious career, Peggy has garnered numerous achievements that illustrate her leadership and contribution to the healthcare sector. Her work in promoting health equity within CIGNA has been recognized as transformative, enhancing access and care for marginalized communities significantly.
Her extensive experience in multicultural communication equips her with a unique perspective that ensures her strategic initiatives are inclusive and effective for all populations. Peggy’s dedication to education through various capacities, from program coordinator to director, highlights her capability to lead teams effectively while promoting continuous learning within the field.
Indeed, Peggy HHHH Payne is more than just a healthcare leader; she is a trailblazer in health equity, leveraging her education and professional experiences to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities alike. Her unwavering commitment to cultural competency and inclusive healthcare continues to inspire her colleagues and the communities she serves.