ABOUT CHET P. HEWITT

Few leaders embody purpose-driven leadership like Chet P. Hewitt. As President and CEO of the Sierra Health Foundation and founding CEO of The Center at Sierra Health, he oversees one of Northern California’s largest and most impactful philanthropic enterprises — both committed to advancing health equity, social justice, and inclusive economic opportunity across underserved communities.

Under his leadership, Sierra Health and The Center have launched transformative initiatives, including the California Funders for Boys and Men of Color, which champions education and economic empowerment, and the Black Child Legacy Campaign, a nationally recognized effort to reduce disparities in Black infant, child, youth, and maternal health.

Before taking the helm at Sierra Health, Hewitt served as Director of the Alameda County Social Services Agency and as Associate Director at The Rockefeller Foundation in New York. Nationally known for his innovative, values-driven approach, he is an Annie E. Casey Children and Families Leadership Fellow, a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow, and serves on numerous boards including CalNonprofits, Advance Peace, and the Public Policy Institute of California.

Hewitt’s leadership is anchored in humility and courage — a belief that progress is made when communities own their power and define their future. His work continues to remind California’s philanthropic and civic sectors that equity isn’t a side mission — it’s the main one.

ON LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE

What does “Black Power and Influence” mean to you?
To be a humble warrior and servant.

Leadership Lesson:
You have to be courageous enough to never forget or ignore where you came from and what that experience has taught you.

Who inspires you most and why?
My family. They ground me and remind me what I’m fighting for.

What are the biggest opportunities you see for Sacramento’s Black community in the years ahead?
The opportunity to leverage our collective influence and power to ensure we have seats at the tables where decisions are made — so our community benefits from the region’s growing economy as entrepreneurs, investors, and workers.

ON EVERYDAY LIFE

Song/Artist On Repeat: R&B and jazz — no one artist in particular.

Recharge Ritual: Listening to music while grilling and hanging out with friends.

Weekend in Sacramento: Time outdoors, connecting with community and loved ones.

Hidden Passion: Gardening — nurturing growth, one seed at a time.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our “Onyx 25” sponsors for their generous support: