The board and staff of the Museum of American Finance are deeply saddened by the loss of John Whitehead, who passed away on February 7 at the age of 92. As co-chairman of the Museum’s Advisory Board, John provided consistently sage counsel to the Museum’s leadership, as well as unflagging support for the Museum and its mission. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
John’s career characterized the dual dedication to advancing the financial world and the world of public service. As such, the Museum’s prestigious Whitehead Award for Distinguished Public Service and Financial Leadership is named for him, and is presented annually at the Museum gala.
After joining Goldman Sachs in 1947, John worked there for 38 years, rising to become co-chairman. He served as Deputy Secretary of State in the Reagan administration and provided leadership to numerous educational, civic and charitable organizations. His contributions to society, his support for a culture of service and his unflagging concern for excellence are unparalleled.
“One of John’s pieces of advice to me was that those who hold leadership positions must leave the institution in better shape than they inherited it,” said David Cowen, the Museum’s President and CEO. “It is clear to me that John did this all his life, and that our nation is a better place because John Whitehead was a part of it. I consider both the Museum and myself fortunate to have known him. We will all miss him.”