Dawn French Brings in Extensive Healthcare and Communications Experience to Leadership Role Across Westchester and Fairfield Counties
Photo credit: White Plains Hospital Communications Department.
WESTCHESTER, NY, July 22, 2024 — The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, is pleased to announce that Dawn French has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Westchester/Fairfield Board of Directors. French’s term begins July 1, 2024, and will conclude on June 30, 2026.
Dawn French, who currently serves as the Senior Vice President for Marketing, Communication and Community Relations at White Plains Hospital, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Before joining White Plains Hospital, French held key communications leadership positions at Hudson Valley Hospital and Westchester Medical Center. She began her career in broadcast media, where she worked for over a decade in various roles, ultimately becoming an executive news producer before transitioning to the healthcare sector in 2005. French holds a B.S. in journalism from the University of Rhode Island and a master’s degree in public health from New York Medical College. She is also a two-time Emmy Award recipient for her work in television news.
“I am honored to be appointed as the chairperson of the American Heart Association Westchester/Fairfield Board of Directors,” said French. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, and while many risk factors are preventable, combatting it requires education and preventive measures. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to advance the Association’s mission and make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our community here in Westchester and Fairfield, and beyond.”
Amanda Palumbo, Executive Director of the American Heart Association for Westchester/Fairfield, expressed her enthusiasm for French’s appointment. “We are incredibly excited and honored to have Dawn French lead our Westchester/Fairfield Board of Directors. Her extensive experience in healthcare and communications, coupled with her dedication to our mission, makes her an invaluable asset to our leadership team. We are fortunate to have such a high-caliber team of community leaders working together to combat heart disease and stroke.”
In her role as chairperson, French will collaborate closely with Patrick Thomas, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the current Westchester/Fairfield Board President, as well as with Marla Koroly, M.D., Associate Ambulatory Physician Executive for Northwell Health’s Westchester and Connecticut regions and the incoming Westchester/Fairfield Board President.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Bong Arquiza: bong.arquiza@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org