Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood Names New CEO

Related Media

Photo of Chelly Hegan

ALBANY, NY (06/08/2012)(readMedia)-- A new President/CEO has been named at Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. Chelly Hegan, of Troy, New York has been selected by the UHPP Board of Directors after a lengthy search process. Patricia McGeown, current UHPP President/CEO, had previously announced her decision to step down this August, after nearly 18 years of service.

Hegan brings a unique and deep background to her new position. Her educational background combines studies in sociology and Fine Arts and includes a B.A. from Hartwick College, and an M.A. and M.F.A. from the University at Albany. Her previous employment includes serving as Membership Coordinator and Benefits Administrator for the Albany/ Schenectady League of Arts, and in Human Resources for The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. She has served as a Board member for many community agencies including Troy Public Library, Sponsor a Scholar, and the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Center (now The Pride Center).

Ms. Hegan was first employed at UHPP in 2006 as Vice President for Human Resources and is currently serving as Senior Vice President for Operations. In this capacity, she has been responsible for overseeing Human Resources, Facilities, Patient/Customer Service, IT and Finance. Her accomplishments in recent years have included facilitating the agency's move to its new Albany health center and administrative offices at 855 Central Avenue; the initiation and oversight of risk management programs; and the expansion of new IT solutions.

A special CEO Search Committee, comprised of current and former Board members, conducted the extensive search and reviewed over 100 applications from both local and national applicants. According to Deborah Zamer, Chair of the UHPP Board of Directors, "Chelly has continuously impressed us with her thoughtful vision and thorough knowledge of the challenges that could lie ahead for Planned Parenthood. Her understanding of health care delivery, emerging technologies and agency operations is unmatched. But above all else, it is Chelly 's infectious passion for the mission of UHPP that helped cement the Board's unanimous decision that she is the right choice to lead UHPP into the future."

McGeown also expressed enthusiasm for the decision. "I am so pleased to be able to pass on the leadership of UHPP to Chelly Hegan," said McGeown. "The agency faces some significant challenges, from continued attacks on our funding base to the need for readiness to address community needs under a rapidly changing health care system.Chelly has demonstrated the knowledge and leadership to meet these challenges and to take our organization into the future."

Hegan, herself, is excited to step into her new role. "I am looking forward to using my experience, healthcare background and leadership skills to lead UHPP to new levels of community engagement and dynamic programming," said Hegan. "UHPP has terrific community support, quality services and an incredibly capable and devoted staff. I am stepping into some deep shoes, and am deeply grateful to Pat for leaving the agency in such a place of strength."