Planned Parenthood Honors Former CEO Barry Chase

MEMPHIS, TN – The Board and staff of Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region (PPGMR) will honor the organization’s previous President and Chief Executive Officer, Barry Chase, during the annual James Award Reception at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens on Thursday, October 10th, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Chase served as the local Planned Parenthood affiliate’s CEO and chief spokesperson for 10 years until his retirement in April of this year. He led the family planning and advocacy organization through many transitions during his tenure, including a move to a state-of-the-art health center and office complex at 2430 Poplar Avenue. Mr. Chase also oversaw the development of a vibrant and highly-regarded education and outreach program, with cutting-edge initiatives such as Free Condoms Memphis (http://freecondomsmemphis.org/); and expansion of advocacy efforts to empower Planned Parenthood patients to speak out. Mr. Chase’s wise decisions and business acumen kept the organization on solid financial footing through a myriad of challenges, allowing it to continue to provide much-needed preventive health and education services to the Mid-South community.

“Under Barry’s leadership, Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region grew into a leading provider of education, HIV prevention services and patient-centered advocacy in the Mid-South,” said current President and CEO Ashley Coffield. “Barry built a solid base from which this organization can grow and thrive and continue to serve our patients and the entire community. We are pleased to show our gratitude to him with the James Award this year.”

The James Award is named in honor of Bob James, former Memphis City Councilman and local business leader. Bob was a long-time supporter who believed ardently in the mission of Planned Parenthood. When he passed away in 2004, he left an endowment of $1 million to the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis for the annual benefit of Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region.

Note: Please contact Joan Carr at (901) 725-3008 to schedule an interview availability with Mr. Chase at the James Award event. 

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Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region (PPGMR), founded in 1938, is an affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. PPGMR’s mission is to ensure broad public access to reproductive and related health care through clinic services, education, advocacy and community partnerships in serving 42 counties in West Tennessee, North Mississippi and East Arkansas.