PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EMERITA
SYSTEMS ASSESSMENT & RESEARCH, INC.
In 1992, Dr. Maria J. Hankerson founded Systems Assessment & Research Inc. (SAR Corp). She served as the company’s founder, President and Chief Executive Officer until 2015. Dr. Hankerson has a documented track record of giving back to her community as a philanthropist and coach for professionals and businesses, and to her country as an advisor.
Dr. Hankerson held a position as Special Assistant at the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), a Cabinet-level agency of the Executive Office of the President during the George H.W. Bush presidency. Her outstanding work earned her a commendation for excellent service upon her departure in 1992. Also, in 1992, she received the esteemed title of “Honorary Citizen” and Key to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana for her work in facilitating public health initiatives.
Dr. Hankerson is a highly regarded expert in field public health, research and evaluation, medical staffing, and strategic planning. She has spearheaded numerous large health studies including Breast Cancer Clinical Guidelines, HIV/AIDS Initiatives, the USDA Food Pyramid, the Drowsy Driving Study, Women’s Health, Maternal and Child Health Initiatives; and among others, Coronary Artery Disease Among Active Duty Military Personnel.
She is considered a pioneer in the Department of Defense’s medical contracting sector. Her corporation was one of few minority-owned firms to provide physician and other medical staffing to U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy hospitals nationwide in the early 1990s – blazing a trail for women and minorities in this sector.
Dr. Hankerson designed and operated a range of public health clinics for indigent populations. For this work, the District of Columbia enacted “July 1, 2017, as Dr. Maria J. Hankerson Day.” Numerous other business and civic awards are located elsewhere on this site.
Throughout her professional and business career, Dr. Hankerson has served with distinction. She uses this knowledge to build businesses and non-profit organizations; and to promote faith-based initiatives that restore and sustain individuals and communities.
She has served on the boards of Washington Performing Arts, Leadership Greater Washington, the DC Chamber of Commerce, and has been an advisory member of the Washington Board of Trade. She is a member of the Supreme Court Musicale, and a member of the 2015 Society of benefactors of the African American Museum of History and Culture.