Class of 01 Distie (Carstensen) Profit: From the White House to the UK

From the White House to the UK

In a life that has pivoted from politics to healthcare IT — from the White House to the UK, Distie (Carstensen) Profit ’01 has been on the front lines of a world experiencing dramatic change.

While at Simpson, Profit worked on George W. Bush’s presidential campaign. Following his victory, Profit went to Washington, D.C., to study at American University while enjoying some rare opportunities.

“I was able to finish my final semester and work on the Inauguration Committee — and then in the White House [as a presidential scheduler],” said Profit. “Working for the president of the United States is one of the greatest honors and privileges of all times.”

Profit was also busy at the time earning her master’s in campaign management from George Washington University. She was working at the White House during the tragic events and aftermath of 9-11. In the government shake up that followed, she found herself moving into a new role.

World of Change

“I was asked to join the transition team for the largest structural change of the U.S. government with the creation of the Department of Homeland Security,” said Profit. “Spending two years travelling with Secretary Tom Ridge all over the world to ensure security for citizens everywhere was the ultimate example of living through purpose.”

Profit’s purpose shifted to Healthcare IT in 2005, when she joined Cerner — now Oracle Health. She moved to the UK in 2008 and has remained with the company while holding a variety of leadership roles.

“I lead a team of amazing people to work with healthcare providers in using digital and data to ensure they have the right information, at the right time, in the right place,” said Profit, now also a British citizen. “The work we are doing around the use of AI…is going to be industry changing and lifesaving.”

Distie’s husband, Seth Profit ’01, is a partner with IBM’s UKI Energy, Environment and Utilities. Their 15 year-old twin boys Peyton and Zachary play academy level rugby and are members of the Great Britian national baseball team.