Hospital exec named chair of Heart Association Board

The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, recently announced that Dawn French has been appointed its new chairperson of the Westchester/Fairfield Board of Directors. French’s term began July 1 and will conclude on June 30, 2026.

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, she 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 health-care sector in 2005. French holds a Bachelor of Science degree 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.

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 health care 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.