MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015
Dear Friends,
The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), including its Officers, Executive Committee, and Friends of WFUNA Board of Directors would like to send its deepest sympathies and wholehearted condolences to John C. Whitehead’s family and friends. We have lost a great leader and dear friend who for many decades provided service to the UN, the Friends of WFUNA Board of Directors, WFUNA, and the international community at large.
John began his work with the Friends of WFUNA in 2003 and remained a constant source of inspiration, leadership, and guidance throughout his tenure. His 12 years of support to WFUNA and countless years of dedication to the UN will not be soon forgotten by those who had the opportunity to know him. Despite his numerous engagements and commitments, John always made time to serve with his fellow Friends of WFUNA board members and to advise WFUNA on philanthropic opportunities and ways to strengthen our organization.
He retired as Co-Chairman and Co-Senior Partner from Goldman Sachs in 1984. From 1985-1989, he served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan. In 2001, John was appointed as Chairman of the Board of the Lower Manhattan Development Cooperation, and served as Chairman of the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation.
He is former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Additional affiliations include the United Nations Association of the United States of America, The Harvard Board of Overseers, the International Rescue Committee, Haverford College, The Asia Society, Hungarian-American Enterprise Fund, and Boy Scouts of America/GNY. He was a committed philanthropist who worked throughout his life to better his community and world.
John was a truly global citizen supporting international cooperation and communication, understanding the complex intersection of policy and community, and promoting the important role of the United Nations. WFUNA will commemorate his well-respected work and many achievements, and joins his family, the Friends of WFUNA, and the international community in respectfully celebrating his life.
Sincerely,
Bonian Golmohammadi
Secretary-General