Outgoing Executive Director’s 11-Year Tenure Marked by Historic Milestones, Organizational Growth, Expansion of Community-Based Programs
 
Boston, MA – The NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts Board of Directors announced today that Melissa Kogut will be leaving the organization in early August after 11 years as Executive Director.

"Melissa has been an advocate for the reproductive rights movement in Massachusetts for more than 20 years.  We will miss her vision and leadership, and we wish her nothing but the best as she starts the next exciting chapter of her life," said Happy Green, Chair of the NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts Board of Directors.

"It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts," said Kogut.  "Together, with the involvement of so many committed members and donors across the state, we have made an impact on the lives of thousands of women and families in the Commonwealth by protecting and improving access to reproductive health services, including abortion."

Kogut added, "The Emergency Contraception Bill, the Contraceptives Coverage Bill, and the Buffer Zone Bill are highlights of groundbreaking legislation, which have all become state law as a result of the organization’s efforts.  I’m also proud of the lead role the organization played in electing a pro-choice House of Representatives in 2004 for the first time in state history."

The Board will launch a national search to fill the position and will appoint an Interim Executive Director during the transition.

Over the coming months, the organization will continue its critical work to ensure access to reproductive health services in light of the changed legal landscape resulting from the April 18 Supreme Court decision upholding a federal abortion ban.

On August 13, Melissa will become the Executive Director of the Chefs Collaborative, a national organization based in Boston whose mission is to promote local and sustainable food and agriculture.

In the future, members of the media who need to contact the organization should contact Kelly O’Bryan, Political Director, at 617-556-8800 x16 or kelly@prochoicemass.org.