Tukea Talbert, DNP, RN, CDP

Dr. Tukea Talbert began her career at UK HealthCare as a staff registered nurse working in an adult medical-surgical unit. Within a few years, she was selected as the clinical nurse manager of a 15-bed trauma emergency step-down unit, and then she became a patient care manager at Markey Cancer Center.

Her wide-ranging experience as a nurse and a nurse leader led to her being hired by Clark Regional Medical Center in Winchester, Kentucky, as their chief nursing officer.

Back at UK, she has held a variety of positions in health care administration including director of enterprise accreditation and regulatory compliance, interim director of the Office of Enterprise Quality & Safety, and assistant operations executive/executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Tukea achieved certification as a diversity professional from the Diversity Executive Leadership Academy. She adds this achievement to her educational attainments where she has graduated with honors in nursing at the associate, bachelor, master and doctorate levels.

In the strategic planning process, Tukea oversaw the development, implementation, and execution of the five-year diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) strategic plan for UK HealthCare. In her role as the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), she oversees DEI initiatives for the health system, including serving as chair of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council.

President Capilouto named her to the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Leadership Implementation Team as part of a university-wide focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Tukea retains her connection to nursing through her work as adjunct faculty for the UK College of Nursing and membership in the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the American Nursing Association. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the national nurse honor society.

Within the community, Tukea served on the Mayor’s Commission on Racial Justice and Equality where she was vice-chair for the Healthcare Disparities Subcommittee. She also serves on the boards of Women Leading Kentucky and Nathaniel Mission.

As Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), Tukea oversees all diversity, inclusion and equity efforts across the health care enterprise. This strengthens the business case for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizational culture that can contribute to being a more effective provider of health care throughout the Commonwealth.

The CDO role encompasses the Power of Three (P3), people, patients, and purpose, which focuses on space for all individuals to have a fair opportunity to achieve optimal health outcomes and life success. Tukea has built the DEI Strategic Plan with a focus on the following strategic priorities: hiring & retaining top, diverse talent, health equity, community engagement, inclusive excellence, diversity education & training on cultural humility, and most importantly, measurement of impact.