Jeannine M. Rivet

Honorary Degree Recipient

Doctor of Laws

School of Nursing, December 16, 2022

Jeannine Rivet received a bachelor of science in nursing from Boston College in 1972 and master of public health from Boston University in 1981. Her distinguished career includes practice as a registered nurse, extraordinary creativity and impact in the managed care industry, service on numerous boards, and sustained roles as an advisor, mentor, and coach. For 28 years, Rivet held numerous leadership roles with UnitedHealth Group (UHG), including chief executive officer and president of Optum. During this time, Rivet spearheaded a number of initiatives that transformed healthcare delivery internationally from a hospital-based, tradition-bound system to one that is safe, effective, efficient, convenient, and personalized, while also advocating for equitable opportunities for all UHG employees. She has also given generously of her time through her service on numerous boards and advisory councils, including the United Healthcare Children’s Foundation; the Harvard University School of Public Health Leadership Council; the Board of Visitors of the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota; and the Economic Club of Minnesota Board. Her work mentoring and coaching women business leaders is exemplified by her serving as a founding member of the Women’s Business Leaders (WBL) of the U.S. Healthcare Foundation, growing the Minnesota contingency to be the largest in the organization. Rivet has received several recognitions, most recently the Linkage Executive Impact Award; the Twin Cities Business Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST Mentor of the Year Award. She is a driving force in challenging the healthcare industry to enhance health and well-being through information, collaboration, and advancement of optimal healthcare.

Biographies are as-of time of award presentation.