We are delighted to welcome Jackie Edmond as our new Chief Executive. She will take over from Dr Gill Greer in September.

Dr Greer has been appointed as the new Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), based in London.

President Linda Penno says that Jackie Edmond, currently the organisation's National Director of Clinic Services, has strong health management skills and an extensive knowledge of sexual and reproductive health.

Jackie has been with Family Planning for five years; initially as Central/Southern Regional Director and then in her current position overseeing clinical services and as Deputy Executive Director.

She has frequently acted in the position of Executive Director in Dr Greer's absence overseeing all of Family Planning's services, including education and health promotion.

We are delighted to be able to appoint someone with such a thorough knowledge of sexual and reproductive health issues, the health sector, and Family Planning.

Jackie Edmond is currently responsible for the operation of 30  clinics and 30 outreach and school-based clinics throughout New Zealand, with around 280 staff.

Prior to joining Family Planning she was a service manager at Canterbury District Health Board, and has also worked in the mental health area. She is a registered nurse.

Linda Penno says Jackie Edmond has a strong commitment to health, and to the provision of high quality sexual and reproduction health services and information.

Outgoing Executive Director Gill Greer has succeeded in raising awareness of a number of sexual health issues, including New Zealand's high rates of sexually transmitted infections, continuing high teen pregnancy rates, and the need for open communication about sexual health issues. "Jackie is the ideal person to lead us into the future, as we continue to address these, and other issues."

Jackie Edmond says continuing to advocate for adequate sexual and reproductive health services will be one of her priorities. "Good sexual and reproductive health is everyone's right and essential to health and wellbeing. There is a need for greater commitment to this area from Government, matched by realistic investment in the sector."

"It is a great honour to be asked to lead an organisation that has made such a difference to the lives of so many New Zealanders. Family Planning has been around for 70 years, and we look forward to being here for another 70."