The John C. Whitehead Humanitarian Award was created in recognition of the half-century of transformational leadership and support that John dedicated to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The Whitehead Award is presented each year at the IRC’s annual dinner to individuals whose sustained commitment embodies John’s spirit and passion for humanitarian causes, and who have made significant contributions to saving and improving lives around the world. Established in February 2015, the award honors the value of civic engagement and memorializes John Whitehead’s lifelong commitment to humanity through selfless, courageous, creative, and compassionate acts.
Honorees
2015 Josh Weston
2016 The Mack Family: Christy K. and John J. Mack; Jenna A. Mack; John C. Mack; Stephen K. Mack
2017 Liv Ullmann
2018 Larry Fink
2020 Judith and Russell Carson
2021 The Arnhold Family
2022 Founders of Airbnb.org, Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk
2023 Laurene Powell Jobs and Emerson Collective
2024 Dr. Denis Mukwege