(Long Island, NY) Family Planning Advocates of New York State, the statewide representative for family planning providers, including all Planned Parenthood affiliates, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of New York, the statewide political representative for Planned Parenthood affiliates, today announced the appointment of Lauren J. Tobias as their new Chief Executive Officer.
“After a thorough and deliberate selection process, it was unanimously decided that Lauren has the experience, knowledge, and understanding to be the leader required by our constantly evolving health care landscape,” said JoAnn D. Smith, Chair, Board of Directors, Family Planning Advocates (FPA). “Lauren has a thorough understanding of the needs of our health care providers and the complexity of our regulatory system, both on the state and federal level, as well as great respect for the women and men who rely on us every day for critical health care services.”
“Lauren has demonstrated success managing state-wide coalitions and has a strong management track record. She understands the challenges and opportunities facing FPA and PPANY,” said Joan Malin, Chair, Board of Directors, Planned Parenthood Advocates of New York (PPANY). “We look forward to working with Lauren in our shared mission to keep New York State a leader in providing comprehensive reproductive health care.”
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to work with FPA and PPANY. This is an exciting time with many important health policy debates underway” said Ms. Tobias. “FPA and PPANY have so much to add to the discussion and one of my goals is to ensure these voices are heard throughout the state.”
Ms. Tobias previously served as Public Policy Director for Family Planning Advocates and has extensive background as a leader and public policy strategist. As Director of Policy for the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, Ms. Tobias was instrumental in developing their strategic direction and advocacy efforts to ensure public systems are responsive to the needs of the people they serve. While with the New York State Department of Health, she played a key role in the implementation of recommendations by the Governor’s Medicaid Redesign Team, including the implementation of Health
Homes. Ms. Tobias began her career as a Senior Legislative Associate with the New York State Assembly. She is a graduate of Muhlenberg College and has a Master’s degree in Public Affairs and Policy from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, State University at Albany.
Family Planning Advocates of New York State is a non-profit, statewide organization dedicated to protecting and expanding access to a full range of reproductive health care services. It represents New York’s Planned Parenthood affiliates and other family planning centers, as well as hundreds of organizations and thousands of individual members.
