Overview:
• Nan Whaley, former Dayton Mayor and 2022 Democratic Nominee for Ohio governor, will lead Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region starting July 1st.
• She aims to expand access to reproductive health care and sexuality education in Ohio, following the passage of the Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment.
• Planned Parenthood is focusing on expansion as a haven state and first point of access for patients in need of abortion.
By Maya McKenzie
Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region has announced that Nan Whaley will become its next CEO.
The former long-serving mayor of Dayton and 2022 Democratic Nominee for Ohio governor will be taking her years of expertise as a public servant and leader in Ohio to advance the work of reproductive health care in Ohio.
Whaley’s tenure will begin July 1st.
In her more than two decades of service to her community, Whaley has served the City of Dayton as City Commissioner (2006-2013) and Mayor (2014-2022), Democratic Nominee for Ohio Governor (2022) and, most recently, Director of Membership for the US Conference of Mayors.
Whaley’s strong leadership, relationships and organizational skills have helped drive growth in her community, the state of Ohio and the country as a whole. During her tenure with the City of Dayton, she worked to advance economic development, improve education and job opportunities, address issues of racial inequity and poverty, and to reduce gun violence – all of which helped to promote a healthy environment for her constituents.
Now, she’s stepping up to dive deeper into the health care landscape: – working to advance and expand access to reproductive health care and relationship and sexuality education in the state of Ohio– both causes she has a history of prioritizing. As a gubernatorial candidate, Whaley centered her campaign around the issue of protecting reproductive rights and health care access.
Whaley said, “This is a critical time in reproductive health care and we bear no small responsibility to make sure our community of southwest Ohio and all who come to us in need of service, get the care they need. As a haven to surrounding states like Kentucky, Tennessee and across the southeast, following the passage of Issue 1, sustainability and expanding our capacity is a top priority alongside advocacy and education. Patients deserve choices and we are proud to offer them high quality, comprehensive care at Planned Parenthood.
I look forward to working with this amazing team to continue that legacy of care no matter what and increase access for everyone who needs it,” said Whaley.
“Nan has already had an indelible impact on the community of Southwest Ohio in her over 20 years working as a public servant for the state; and we know she will only further advance the prosperity of our community as a champion for reproductive health care advancement in the region,” added Beth Mandel and Laura Mercer, Board of Directors co-chairs, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.
Following the passage of the Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment in November, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region is focusing on expansion in its newfound role as a haven state and the first point of access for patients in need of abortion coming from the South following Florida’s six-week ban.
“Nan Whaley’s extensive experience working with local business leaders and building relationships with like-minded organizations will help advance Planned Parenthood’s outreach work and grant funding opportunities which will allow for better, more holistic care and opportunities for our patients,” said Mandel.
Serving 20 counties in southwestern Ohio and three in northern Kentucky, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region strengthens the community by providing access to high quality health care and education that empower people to make informed, private decisions about their reproductive lives and sexual health. The organization operates five health centers throughout the region. Call 513.824.7848 to discuss your abortion options with a patient navigator.