2026 Jean Harris Award Recipient – Jeannine M. Rivet, MPH, BSN, RN, Honorary Doctor of Laws, FAAN
Jeannine Rivet is an active board member, advisor, mentor, and coach. Retired Executive Vice President of UnitedHealth Group, Jeannine Rivet worked with and on behalf of all business segments in areas focused on strategic business
relationships, clinician advancement, culture, and social responsibility. Previous roles at UnitedHealth Group include CEO of UnitedHealthcare, CEO of Ingenix, and CEO of Optum. Before joining UnitedHealth Group, Jeannine held various
other managed care and nursing positions.
Jeannine received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Minnesota for her advancement of nursing and health care through public service. She also received a Master’s in Public Health from Boston University and
holds a B.S. in Nursing from Boston College. Jeannine practiced as a registered nurse for several years before entering the managed care industry.
She is on numerous business boards and advisory councils and is a mentor to businessmen and women. She has been recognized by AAHP, Boston University School of Public Health, Fortune magazine, Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, Minnesota’s City Business, Minnesota Women’s Health Leadership TRUST, Twin Cities Business magazine, Linkage, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the American Heart Association – Twin Cities. She also is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. She is a driving force in challenging the industry to enhance health and well-being through information, collaboration, and the advancement
of optimal healthcare.
About the Jean Harris Award
Jean Harris, M.D. was a notable physician, administrator, politician and a true visionary. Jean’s pioneering life began in the segregated South and included being the first African-American graduate of the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Harris advised five presidents on health policy, was a celebrated corporate and public health leader, and Eden Prairie’s first female mayor. Her remarkable life and achievements speak to the full promise of America and underscore the importance of continuing to inspire leaders and others to shape a world with hope, honor, and dignity.
The Jean Harris Award was established by the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST in 2001 to celebrate the vision and leadership of one of the TRUST’s most respected members. The award is presented at the TRUST Forum to a member who advances health care and exemplifies the vision of the TRUST.
Criteria for Nominees
- Reflect the vision and mission of the TRUST
- Demonstrate health care leadership locally, regionally and within her organization and with colleagues
- Participate in and provide leadership to TRUST committees or work groups
- Demonstrate personal and professional leadership and help develop these qualities in others
- Generate enthusiasm and energy while meeting the challenges of today’s environment
Other Jean Harris Award Winners by Year:
2025: Pam Stegora Axberg
2021: Mary Welsh
2020: Monica Engel
2019: Theresa Pesch
2018: Paula Hart
2017: Stacie Usem
2016: Penny Wheeler, MD