Adrienne E. White-Faines ’82
May 28, 2023
Awarded by the Board of Trustees, the Medal for Eminent Service was established in 1934 to recognize exceptional service to the College over a great period of time, often in a variety of areas.
Amherst College was born from its founders’ belief in the transformational power of education and commitment to making opportunities available where none previously existed. The College has long been fortunate that its alumni have robustly supported that vision and generously striven to enhance opportunities and prospects for future generations of Amherst students. Adrienne E. White-Faines ’82 is a shining example of this selfless impulse to pave the way for those who come next.
White-Faines has carved out an extraordinary record of support, mentorship and inspiration to the Amherst community. She has held numerous volunteer roles, including the presidency of her class. And, for more than two decades, as her remarkable career in health care strategy has blossomed, she has facilitated opportunities for Amherst students in the form of high-quality, paid internships at each of her workplaces. Many of those internships have continued as opportunities for Amherst students even after White-Faines moved on to her next role. She has served as a mentor and guide not only to her interns but to countless other students who have reached out to her over the years.
As a stalwart partner of the College’s Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning and a founding member of the Loeb Center Advisory Council, White-Faines has provided strategic guidance on a host of career development initiatives over the last six years. Additionally, because of her own inspirational career path and her service as a volunteer, board member and adviser to change-agent corporations and civic entities, she has been a top “on-call” contact for the Loeb’s Health Professions career community, advising and networking on behalf of students interested in public health careers and returning to campus frequently to share her experience and wisdom.
Currently chief strategy officer for the American College of Physicians, White- Faines previously served as CEO of the American Osteopathic Association and chief health officer at the American Cancer Society’s Illinois division. She began her health care career in academic medical settings, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital and New York City Health + Hospitals Corp. She serves on the boards of City of Hope, Innovaccer Inc. and the Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute, among other organizations, and holds a B.A. from Amherst College and an M.P.A. in health care from the University of Southern California.