Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette Announces CEO Retirement

News Release from Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette
Posted on FlashAlert: April 10th, 2023 10:52 AM

Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette (PPCW), the largest nonprofit of sexual and reproductive health care and education in Oregon and SW Washington today announces that Anne Udall will step down from her position as President and CEO as part of PPCW’s succession plan, effective August 11, 2023. 

PPCW’s Board of Directors appointed Mr. Kenji Nozaki, current Chief of Affiliate Operations, to succeed Anne Udall as Interim CEO, effective August 11, 2023, as part of the planned leadership succession. Kenji Nozaki is currently a member of PPCW’s Executive Leadership team and will step in to oversee the organization while an Executive Search for a new President and CEO is underway. 

Sally Brown, PPCW’s Board Chair commented, “On behalf of the board, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Anne for her leadership and dedication to the organization over the past 6 years. During her tenure, PPCW opened two new health centers, in Ontario and East Portland respectively, and renovated an existing location in NE Portland increasing capacity and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care services. Additionally, PPCW kept all health center locations open during the pandemic without a disruption to patients accessing essential health care. Our education programs continue to be strong. “

Anne’s leadership over the past six years and her focus on DEI work - by leading through a values-based culture - has helped position PPCW to grow as an anti-racist organization while continuing to uplift the mission to provide, promote and protect access to sexual and reproductive health care and education in Oregon and SW Washington. This work includes implementing an equity-based compensation program for staff and solidifying a strong partnership with SEIU - making PPCW a competitive place to work within the healthcare sector. 

Dr. Udall said: "I am honored to have led PPCW as its CEO over the past 6 years. I am extremely proud of our staff and their dedication to caring for our patients and delivering sex education, no matter what. Given the strength of our staff, our health care, education programs and organizational values, PPCW is well-positioned to grow and thrive in the years ahead. Oregon and Washington continue to be beacons of hope for people in both states and the strong partnerships with legislators, Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon (PPSO), and with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon (PPAO) continue to grow.”

"The Board is pleased to announce Mr. Nozaki as Anne’s interim successor," stated Sally Brown. “Kenji has been with PPCW for over 10 years and has also spent five years working at the national offices of PPFA. Naming Mr. Nozaki as Anne’s interim successor is the result of a strategic and deliberate succession planning process. We expect a seamless transition in August knowing that Kenji will provide the stability and leadership to PPCW during this time of transition.”

Kenji Nozaki added: “I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to serve as Interim CEO and want to thank Anne for her steady guidance and leadership over these six past years. We worked very closely together on many strategic initiatives. PPCW is well-positioned for expanded growth. My focus during the transition is on supporting staff by maintaining stability and continuity and I look forward to collaborating with our partners across both states to further serve our patients and communities who need it most.”

Dr. Udall concluded, "I am confident that PPCW will be in great hands with Kenji in the interim CEO role while we embark on the search for PPCW’s next President and CEO. Kenji is an innovative leader who will uphold PPCW’s strong values, anti-racist vision and excellent education and health care.” 

PPCW will work closely with the other Oregon affiliate, PPSO, to provide statewide health care and education programs along with PPAO - Oregon’s political and advocacy group.

PPCW has retained Koya Partners, an executive search firm which specializes in partnering with mission-driven clients, to lead this effort. The Search Committee will work with Koya Partners to conduct a nationwide search to attract and identify a pool of candidates who can build on Planned Parenthood's legacy of health care and advocacy in the region, and reflect the broad range of patients, volunteers, supporters, partners, and staff who are the backbone of Planned Parenthood. Individuals interested in the opportunity or in nominating a leader for the role can email [email protected].

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