TO: YWCA Leaders
FROM: Paula Green Johnson, YWCA USA Board ChairDara Richardson-Heron, M.D., YWCA USA CEO
DATE: January 25, 2017
SUBJECT: YWCA USA Leadership Change: Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D.
After more than four years as CEO of YWCA USA, Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D. announced her decision to leave the organization. Her last day as CEO will be February 10, 2017. Dara has graciously offered to assist the Board during the leadership transition.
The YWCA USA Executive Leadership team and Board of Directors appreciate the important contributions Dara made in igniting and further strengthening YWCA USA's national movement to eliminate racism and empower women. Dara leaves us well poised to continue to achieve our mission.
The YWCA USA Board of Directors plan to name an Interim CEO within the next two weeks, and will engage an executive search firm to identify candidates for the YWCA USA CEO position. We will take great care in selecting a new leader who can build on Dara's many achievements and will be able to lead us forward as we continue to fervently serve women, girls and families.
Throughout this period, we will diligently work to ensure an effective transition and continued strong leadership for you and the other local YWCAs, and we're grateful for Dara's partnership in this process. The YWCA USA Executive Leadership team and Board of Directors will share transition leadership plans and updates with you as they become available.
Dara shared these words with us: "It is my fervent hope that long after my tenure as YWCA USA CEO ends, the YWCA USA National Team, YWCA USA Board and YWCA Local Association Leaders will continue on the great path we began in September 2012.Together, we've worked as a unified, mutually supportive organization to advocate for the individual, institutional and systemic changes pivotal to the actualization of equity for the millions of women, girls and families who are counting on YWCAs across the nation to make their world a better place.
We remain committed to supporting you and the other YWCA leaders in the important work you do every day in your communities to enhance the lives of those who seek refuge and gain strength from YWCA USA.
A YWConnect session will be scheduled for the week of January 30. More details will be shared with you soon.
Best regards.
Paula Green Johnson
YWCA USA Board Chair
Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D.
YWCA USA CEO
#NationalCommunications