NARAL Pro-Choice Washington Announces Incoming Executive Director
Longtime director Karen Cooper to be replaced with Lauren B. Simonds SEATTLE – After an exhaustive, nation-wide search, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington’s Board of Directors has found and hired a new executive director. Lauren B. Simonds, M.S.W. will take over when the current director, Karen Cooper, retires in May. “We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, and are confident that her abilities and passion for the right to choose will take our organization to the next level,” said Peter Sagerson, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington Foundation board president and member of the executive director hiring committee. Simonds is currently the executive director of the Seattle Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), a position she has held since 2003. NCJW is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families, and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms; NCJW is a key participant in the Washington Alliance for Reproductive Choice. Ms. Simonds has a strong history of leadership and involvement in reproductive rights; she served as a clinic manager at Planned Parenthood of Western Washington and for Cedar River Clinics. Simonds holds a Masters in Social Work Administration and Planned Social Change, with a specialization managing women’s agencies from the University of Washington. “I look forward to working with NARAL’s staff and board at this important time for women’s reproductive rights,” said Simonds. “I am honored to take on this role in the pro-choice movement, to advocate for increased access to the full range of reproductive choices, from choosing safe and legal abortion care, to being able to access birth control, to carrying a healthy pregnancy to term.” “NARAL Pro-Choice Washington has guarded against anti-choice, anti-woman laws in our state for over 30 years,” added Simonds. “I will proudly continue that tradition and keep Washington one of the most pro-choice states in the nation.” Karen Cooper, long-time director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington and veteran of state electoral politics, will leave behind a legacy of bringing choice to the forefront of Washington politics. Cooper grew the organization from a staff of 2 to a full-time staff of ten with a budget of over $1 million. Under her leadership NARAL has vastly expanded its statewide membership and activism base. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington will honor Karen Cooper’s leadership and achievements at the Power of Choice Luncheon on Monday, May 18, at the Seattle Sheraton. This retirement event will include a commemoration of Cooper, the presentation of the Power of Choice Award, and Simonds’ introduction to NARAL members and allies. More information is available at www.prochoicewashington.org. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the leading grassroots pro-choice advocacy organization in Washington State. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington works to protect every woman’s right to access the full range of reproductive health options, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America. ###
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