Pathfinder International Announces New President and CEO, Dr. Purnima Mane

WATERTOWN, Mass., June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pathfinder International, a global leader in sexual and reproductive health, is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has chosen Dr. Purnima Mane to be the next president and CEO, effective January 2012.

Dr. Mane is a distinguished diplomat, leader, manager, academician, social activist, author, and performing artist, who has been a life-long champion of sexual and reproductive health and women's rights. She brings nearly 30 years of development and managerial experience to Pathfinder, having held leadership positions in a broad range of organizations—both globally and in her native India. These include senior leadership positions in several United Nations Organizations—UNFPA, UNAIDS, and WHO—as well as the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Population Council.

In her current position as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA, she directs global policies and programs on population and development for the agency, which works in more than 150 countries, has more than 2,000 staff members, and operates with an annual budget exceeding $400 million. She is a strong and passionate advocate for the visionary Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.

"We are thrilled with Purnima's selection," Jim Schwartz, vice chair of the board of directors and chair of the executive search committee, said. "We have found a leader whose strengths closely align with Pathfinder's mission. Purnima's long-standing dedication to sexual and reproductive health care and her strengths as a manager, visionary, and passionate advocate for women's rights, will serve her well as Pathfinder's new president."

Dr. Mane will assume leadership in January 2012 following the retirement of current president and CEO, Daniel E. Pellegrom.

"While we celebrate Dr. Mane's accomplishments, and her new role at Pathfinder, we take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation and thanks to Dan for his remarkable service to Pathfinder," Cynthia Fields, chair of the board of directors, said. "Dan has devoted 26 years to Pathfinder—more than half of the organization's existence. Under his leadership, Pathfinder's budget has grown from $8 million to $100 million, allowing us to greatly expand our reach and ability to serve more women, men, and young people. His shoes are not easy to fill. Yet, as we say at Pathfinder, Purnima will 'forge her own path.' This is really a baton being handed from one remarkable leader to another. The Pathfinder staff and board look forward to Pathfinder's future under Purnima's leadership."

For more than 50 years, Pathfinder has delivered vital reproductive health programs that expand opportunities for women, men, and young people in developing countries. Pathfinder provides a range of services—from contraception and maternal care to HIV prevention and AIDS care and treatment. Through innovative approaches and community participation, Pathfinder strengthens access to family planning; works to ensure the availability of safe abortion services; advocates for sound reproductive health policies; builds the capacity of local providers and systems to deliver services; and, through all of our work, supports the rights and lives of the people we serve.

www.pathfinder.org

SOURCE Pathfinder International