MEET THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Cheryl L. Talbert
Dr. Cheryl L. Talbert brings more than 25 years of executive leadership and public service experience to her role as Director of Administration at Civic Leadership Search Partners. A seasoned administrator and systems thinker, Cheryl provides strategic oversight, operational discipline, and people-centered leadership that strengthen CLSP’s internal infrastructure and client-facing engagements.
Her career reflects deep expertise in managing complex organizations, leading large multidisciplinary teams, and designing equitable, high-impact solutions within highly regulated environments.
LEADERSHIP
Executive & Administrative Leadership
Organizational Strategy & Infrastructure Planning
Workforce Management & Performance Improvement
Compliance, Quality & Risk Oversight
Interdepartmental Coordination & Systems Alignment
Equity-Focused Leadership & Institutional Change
Governance & Public-Sector Navigation
Data-Informed Decision-Making
Academic & Thought Leadership
EXPERERIENCE
Director of Administration, Civic Leadership Search Partners
Chief of Social Work, Lexington VA Health Care System
Executive oversight of 100 social workers across a large integrated healthcare network
Responsibility for workforce planning, performance improvement, and operational strategy
Senior leadership roles within University of Kentucky HealthCare
Experience across state, local, and federal systems
Proven ability to manage large-scale teams and complex operations
Adjunct Professor, University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University
Published researcher and national presenter
ABOUT Dr. Cheryl L. Talbert
Dr. Talbert’s executive career spans healthcare, higher education, and public administration, with a consistent focus on operational excellence, integrity, and service delivery at scale. As Chief of Social Work for the Lexington Veterans Administration Healthcare System, she leads one of the nation’s largest integrated social work programs, overseeing workforce performance, compliance, and strategic initiatives across multiple service lines.
Her leadership experience also includes senior roles within University of Kentucky Healthcare, where she contributed to strategic planning, operational coordination, and cross-functional alignment within a complex academic medical system. Across all roles, Dr. Talbert has demonstrated a strong ability to navigate governance structures, manage regulatory requirements, and drive sustainable organizational improvement.
Dr. Talbert holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work, and she earned her Doctor of Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 2023. Her doctoral research focused on dismantling institutional racism in healthcare, reflecting her commitment to systems improvement and equitable outcomes.
A recognized thought leader, Dr. Talbert has published in leading professional journals, presented nationally, and contributed to major leadership forums. Her honors include the William C. Parker Fellowship, Volunteer of the Year Award, and membership in Phi Alpha Honor Society. She is also a graduate of the UK Healthcare Executive Leadership Program.
At Civic Leadership Search Partners, Dr. Talbert provides strategic administrative leadership that ensures organizational strength, operational consistency, and the infrastructure necessary to support high-stakes executive search engagements.
Finding The Right Fit For You
Dr. Cheryl L. Talbert supports CLSP’s mission by ensuring that each engagement is backed by strong administrative systems, thoughtful coordination, and disciplined execution. Her leadership helps maintain the professionalism, integrity, and operational excellence that define the CLSP search process.