Jeffrey Whitford
Jeffrey serves as head of corporate responsibility (CR) and branding for Merck. In his current role, he is responsible for developing and implementing strategic programs to enhance Merck’s position as a global leader in green chemistry, product recycling, environmental sustainability and social responsibility. He also directs the company’s largest CR initiative, the SPARK™ volunteer program, which since 2016 has leveraged nearly 10,000 employee volunteers across 36 countries. Through local charitable events, these volunteers have contributed nearly 90,000 hours to reach more than 235,000 students across the globe.
Jeffrey was also instrumental in helping to launch the award-winning Curiosity Cube® program, a mobile science lab that brings STEM education to schools and communities across the U.S. and Canada.
Jeffrey earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and strategic communications from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a master’s degree in business administration at Washington University in St. Louis. He has served as a board member of the International Institute in St. Louis and the St. Louis chapter of JDRF.
