Long-time leader of Planned Parenthood in central Iowa to retire

DES MOINES – Jill June, the long-time leader of Planned Parenthood in central Iowa and champion of women's reproductive rights, plans to retire from the organization next year.

The Planned Parenthood of the Heartland Board of Directors announced Friday that June will retire as the group's president and chief executive officer on June 30, 2014.

“After 29 years at the helm of a forever-changing and challenging health care organization, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland is on solid footing with a bright future ahead,” June said in a statement. “It is time for me to step down and allow new leadership to chart the course for the coming years.”

June became president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Mid-Iowa in 1985 and saw the organization through multiple mergers, consolidations and capital expansions. The organization currently is a regional health care organization with 27 clinics across four states – Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

June said she is giving a year's notice so the board of directors will have adequate time to find a successor.

“For nearly three decades, Jill June has been an extraordinary and visionary leader for Planned Parenthood, both locally and nationally,” said Dr. Robert Shaw, chairman of the Planned Parenthood of the Heartland board.

“She has earned the respect and friendship of lawmakers, thought leaders, donors, staff and so many other individuals she has come into contact with over the course of her stellar career,” Shaw added. “Now, as the board of directors begins the search for a new leader to guide this organization into the future, we are gratified to have Jill's enthusiastic and invaluable expertise and support during the process.”