Whittier Street Health Center to Honor Vertex Pharmaceuticals Executive Chairman Jeffrey Leiden at Its 2024 Annual Gala

Whittier’s 2024 “Toast of Jeffrey Leiden” will continue the health center’s long tradition of shining a light on Boston’s standout business leaders and philanthropists while raising critical funds to provide high-quality medical care and social services to patients regardless of their ability to pay for services.

WCVB Channel 5 “CityLine” host and executive producer Karen Holmes Ward will emcee the event, which will feature live entertainment by Anima. Members of the public are invited to attend.

When: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Where: Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
Click here to purchase a ticket:  https://www.wshc.org/event/toast-of-jeffrey-leiden-m-d-ph-d-executive-chairman-vertex/

Speakers include John Fish, Chairman & CEO, Suffolk Construction, Joe Nolan, Chairman, President & CEO, Eversource Energy, Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, President, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Betsy Nabel and Dr. Gary Nabel of ModeX Therapeutics, Dr. Joan Reede, Dean of for Diversity and Community Partnerships, Harvard Medical School, Paul Burton, Journalist, Channel 4 (Boston), Former Congressman Joe Kennedy, and Dr. Sangeeta N. Bhatia, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.

“Dr. Leiden has been a staunch supporter of Whittier and is one of our most caring and passionate health equity champions,” said Frederica M. Williams, Whittier Street Health Center’s president and CEO. “He understands and cares deeply about the serious health and social inequities that exist in Boston.”

“We’re excited to celebrate Jeff as a compassionate scientist, physician and corporate leader who has a long record as a relentless champion for health equity. And we thank Vertex Pharmaceuticals and our event sponsors for strengthening Whittier’s ability to ensure greater access to high-quality and culturally sensitive health care and social services by implementing innovative programs and services that promote better health and well-being to the residents of Roxbury, the South End, Dorchester, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain and surrounding neighborhoods,” Williams said.

Dr. Leiden currently serves as Executive Chairman of Vertex Pharmaceuticals and was the Chief Executive Officer and President from 2012 through to March 2020. During his tenure as CEO, Dr. Leiden established a signature program at Vertex to enhance STEAM education among students in Vertex’s local communities, including an on-site Learning Lab, mentorship programs, internships and college scholarships.