The Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH) named Kent State’s previous vice president of university relations as its CEO and president on April 4.

Iris Harvey was unanimously elected for the position by the Board of Directors for PPGOH, according to Diego Espino, vice president of community engagement at PPGOH. Harvey left Kent State earlier this year for a leadership training program at Harvard University.

“We knew (Harvey) in her role as as a board member,” Espino said. “Iris has demonstrated her passion to the Planned Parenthood mission to make sure that we provide, promote and protect healthcare services among Ohio.”

Harvey said she not only served in academia, but in other healthcare foundations. She also had served on PPGOH’s board since 2011 and feels committed to her role in public service.

“Primarily, the journey had to do with a consistent engagement on boards, service and volunteerism,” Harvey said. “I feel very humble; Planned Parenthood has been around for 100 years … so having the stewardship of leading in our centennial year is a great honor.”

PPGOH covers 68 of the 88 counties in Ohio. Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio covers the remaining 20, Espino said. Harvey will also be presiding over Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio.

Karl Schneider is an administrative reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].