The Curt Kaiser Memorial Ethics Fund presents
Moral and Ethical Decision Making
Jeffrey Wigand

 

Dr. Wigand has always been a teacher, but not always in the classroom. He held senior management positions with a number of leading health care companies, including Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, and then served as Vice President for Research and Development for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation from December 1988 to March 1993. After his separation from Brown & Williamson, Dr. Wigand cooperated with governmental agencies investigating the tobacco industry. Dr. Kessler, the former Commissioner of the FDA, has acknowledged that Dr. Wigand’s assistance was central to the FDA’s investigation into the role and effect of nicotine in tobacco products.

 

In 1995, Dr. Wigand achieved national prominence when he became the tobacco industry’s highest ranking former executive to address public health and smoking issues. He made the truth known to the public about the industry’s disregard for health and safety during an interview with 60 Minutes and during a deposition he was compelled to participate in an action against the tobacco companies.

 

Dr. Wigand has received numerous awards and public recognition for his action in revealing tobacco company research and marketing practices and he continues his efforts to reduce teen tobacco use through the non-profit organization he formed, SMOKE-FREE KIDS, Inc.

 

The 1999 film "The Insider" is based on the true story of Wigand’s 60 Minutes segment.

 

Admission is free.