Jennifer Whitfield was named Chief Program Officer in October 2024. She began her journey at SouthLight in 2015 as a Qualified Professional/Peer Support Specialist and has had the opportunity to serve in various roles including Peer Support Supervisor, Director of Adult Community Services and Senior Director of Operations. 

Jennifer has worked in the behavioral health field for over 25 years and has a variety of experience ranging from the adolescent to geriatric populations within residential, hospital, and community-based settings, all of which have helped shape her desire to support the most underserved and vulnerable of our community.   

Having shared lived experiences with our participants through her own mental health and wellness journey and history of substance use dependence, Jennifer brings a unique and vocal perspective to our leadership team. Her passion for advocacy and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use treatment are ingrained in every conversation and interaction and lead to a person centered and authentic empathy. Quality of care and respect are the cornerstones driving her deeply held value to be of service to those in need and she strives to lead by example. 

Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Wake Forest University and is a native of the Triangle where she lives with her partner, Jay, and their two tripaw puppy rescues Hobbs and Blue.