Director of Administration
Cheryl Talbert
Dr. Cheryl L. Talbert brings more than 25 years of high-level leadership and public service experience to her role as Director of Administration for the CLSP team. A seasoned executive and systems thinker, Cheryl has built her career around leading complex organizations, managing large-scale teams, and designing equitable, people-centered solutions to real-world problems.
As Chief of Social Work for the Lexington Veterans Administration Health Care System, Cheryl oversees a team of 100 social workers across one of the nation's largest integrated healthcare networks. She is responsible for workforce , performance improvement, and operational strategy-all with a focus on quality, compliance, and compassionate care delivery. Her leadership within the VA system is grounded in deep administrative insight and a sharp ability to manage across departments, navigate federal systems, and drive sustainable change.
Cheryl’s executive experience spans both state and local government as well as major healthcare systems, including the University of Kentucky HealthCare, where she held leadership roles focused on strategic planning, operational coordination, and interdepartmental alignment. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to excellence in public administration, with a strong emphasis on service delivery, organizational integrity, and impact at scale.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and went on to earn both her master’s and Doctor of Social Work from the University of Kentucky, completing her doctorate in 2023 with a research focus on dismantling institutional racism in healthcare -a reflection of her dedication to improving systems and achieving meaningful results.
Cheryl is also a published researcher, a national presenter, and a featured voice in health system transformation. Her work has been highlighted in the American Journal of Managed Care, the American Case Management Association, and at Vizient’s national leadership events. In June 2024, she presented her research at the National Association of Social Workers Conference, further cementing her influence as a thought leader.
Her administrative and academic credentials are bolstered by numerous honors, including the William C. Parker Fellowship, the Volunteer of the Year Award, and her membership in Phi Alpha Honor Society. She is a graduate of the UK Healthcare Executive Leadership Program and currently shapes the future of her profession as an adjunct professor at both the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University.
As CLSP’s Director of Administration, Cheryl provides strategic oversight for team operations, interdepartmental coordination, and infrastructure planning. Her career has been rooted in service, her leadership shaped by both experience and principle, and her impact felt across institutions and communities alike.
