The prime minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, formally named Trinidadian-born surgeon oncologist Dr. Wayne Frederick as the new interim CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS), until the board finds a long-term candidate, Frederick will continue to serve as acting CEO.
On October 16, Dr. Rowley made a brief statement on his Facebook page. He posted, “T&T national and ORTT (Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago) holder Dr Wayne Frederick honored in the US.”
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In March 2022, Frederick received this highest honor at the President’s House for his contributions to medicine and education. For exceptional and noteworthy service to T&T, one is awarded the ORTT.
Federick stated, “I am deeply honored to join ACS and ACS CAN (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network) in this capacity as interim CEO and continue our work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
Fredrick added, “I look forward to working full-time with the incredible teams at ACS and ACS CAN and more than a million volunteers across the country to advance our shared goals of increasing access to care, reducing cancer disparities, and improving the lives of patients and their families.”
Frederick was appointed to the role in large part due to his academic achievement, professional background in business administration, and medical education, according to a media statement dated October 15, 2024.
On November 2, 2024, his title becomes official. As stated by ACS Board of Directors Chair Brian Marlow, “Dr Frederick’s commitment to improving health care outcomes particularly as it relates to patient care and research aligns perfectly with the American Cancer Society’s mission.”
“As a proven and collaborative leader, we are confident in his ability to maintain and build upon the incredible momentum across ACS during this period of leadership transition.”
After serving as the university’s 17th president from 2014 until 2023, Frederick is presently president emeritus of Howard University in Washington, DC.
The prestigious Charles R Drew Professor of Surgery at the Howard University College of Medicine was recently bestowed upon him by the university’s board of trustees. He is the author of many book chapters, editorials, abstracts, and peer-reviewed publications.
Based on his online profile at Howard University, Fredrick was admitted into the St. Mary’s College, Port of Spain Hall of Fame, and was selected Washingtonian of the Year by Washingtonian magazine in 2017.
