Planned Parenthood of Illinois Names Jennifer Welch as President & CEO

CHICAGO, IL (April 17, 2017) – Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) are pleased to announce that Jennifer Welch has been unanimously elected by the Board of Directors to serve as the next President and CEO of both organizations starting on May 1, 2017.

"Jennifer is the clear choice to build on PPIL’s foundation as the expert in providing reproductive health care in Illinois,” said Susan Musich, Chairperson of the PPIL Board of Directors. “She is committed to the mission and brings the skills to clearly articulate and foster that commitment among staff, board, donors, legislators, volunteers, and the community at large.”

During her 25-year career in both the public and nonprofit sectors, Welch has served as a passionate advocate for women’s issues with a strong focus on protections for victims and survivors of domestic violence.  Her advocacy dates back to her time as a Planned Parenthood volunteer while attending college in the 1980s. From there Welch built a career that included leadership positions with the Illinois Attorney General and the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network, and the Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women.

“Joining an organization that has been a leader in sexual health care, education, and advocacy for 100 years is an honor,” said Welch “I am excited for the opportunity to help lead Planned Parenthood of Illinois into its next century.”

Welch is leaving her position as First Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS).

Welch holds a JD from the Chicago-Kent College of Law and received her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

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Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) provides affordably-priced, high-quality reproductive health care services to women and families throughout Illinois. Through health care services, educational programs and advocacy efforts, PPIL works to ensure and protect the reproductive rights of each individual. For more information, visit www.ppil.org.