After four months of searching, Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho has a new CEO.
Karl Eastlund took over as the interim CEO in June, but was appointed to the official CEO role Nov. 1.
The process began after the previous CEO, Anna Frank, stepped down June 3, said Gina Popovic, executive vice president of PPGWNI. The board of directors appointed Eastlund and began the search for a permanent replacement.
Popovic said the search committee included board members and community members because they wanted the committee to be representative of the community.
“The search committee did several interviews and it became clear (Eastlund) was the right choice to bridge the past and the future,” Popovic said.
Popovic said the search was trying, but allowed time for members of the committee to more closely examine the organization as a whole.
“I think all CEO searches provide a time for the organization to be reflective about what strategic processes are,” Popovic said. “The process of reflection takes time.”
Eastlund said the process was educational for him, and allowed him to learn more about the position and regulations.
“It worked out for me as a trial period to see if it fit for me,” Eastlund said.
Eastlund said he is excited to begin working, and was busy almost immediately.
“We start strategic planning Saturday, creating a road map for the next five years at the board meeting,” Eastlund said.
Eastlund said he plans to expand all of PPGWNI’s efforts, but he also wants to focus on preventive services and talking to people about these services.
“So much of what we do is preventative healthcare, and we need to make sure the public understands that,” Eastlund said.