Austin, TX — After conducting a nation-wide search, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes (PPTV) Board of Directors is proud to announce the new senior leadership of Shellie Hayes-McMahon and Drucilla Tigner as the organization's new Co-Executive Directors and former State Senator Wendy Davis as Senior Advisor.
Previously, Hayes-McMahon and Tigner served as PPTV's Deputy Executive Directors, leading operations and programs, respectively. Hayes-McMahon will be the first Black woman to lead the organization. As Senior Advisor, Davis will focus on strategic planning, development, and leadership cultivation.
“With experienced leaders like Hayes-McMahon, Tigner and Davis leading the team, PPTV is in a strong position to advocate, organize and fight back against those who would seek to deny Texas families reproductive rights or access to health care,” said Lisa Turner, Board Chair of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes.
“Hayes-McMahon and Tigner bring an impressive track record of organizing, leading, and developing young leaders. They know the political landscape and bring long-standing relationships in our movement and a demonstrated commitment to building the collective power needed to create a Texas where we can all control our own bodies and lives,” continued Turner. “Texans know Wendy Davis as an icon and courageous leader in the fight for reproductive rights in our state, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Planned Parenthood family. Wendy has a proven track record for advocating for Texas families, and we are excited that she will use her experience and unique platform to advance the work of PPTV.”
PPTV is committed to the leaders of the future. The organization is building the next generation of movement leaders by investing in programs for young people to come together across geographies, identities, and lived experiences.
“I stand on the shoulders of those who came before us in this movement every day as a Black woman, knowing our history in this country and recognizing how important this pivotal moment is for all Texans," said Shellie Hayes-McMahon, Co-Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. “I am thrilled to be working alongside Dru and Wendy, both leaders I respect and admire. Our work organizing in communities across the state to engage and activate the historically disenfranchised - young people, people of color, and women, to make their voices heard at the ballot box and beyond is not a marathon. It is a relay. It's our turn.”
PPTV builds power by developing and coordinating statewide organizing, political, and communication strategies that engage, educate and empower the communities most impacted by attacks on reproductive health care. The organization’s new leadership is excited to continue that work.
“Texas politicians have relentlessly attacked our reproductive health and rights for over a decade. Stripping millions of Texans of the freedom to decide our futures for ourselves and our families – free from government interference,” said Drucilla Tigner, Co-Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. “I am honored to have the opportunity to step into this new role and continue the fight for reproductive freedom in this state. As we face the challenges of the new reality in Texas, I'm committed to building a movement that moves beyond Roe. One that is inclusive and centers the voices and experiences of those most impacted by the lack of access to health care and one that will win the freedom for all Texans to decide their futures."
PPTV supports the progressive ecosystem in Texas by providing educational information about reproductive health and rights, bringing thought leadership to collaborative campaigns, and working with coalition partners to ensure a strong bench of leadership throughout the state, from grassroots advocates to community leaders and elected officials.
“Texas has long been ground zero for the attacks on reproductive rights. Anti-abortion extremists have used gerrymandering and the courts to force their unpopular bans on Texans. But we deserve better for our families and communities than being collateral damage for bad actors,” said Wendy Davis, Senior Advisor, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. “Ending abortion care in Texas wasn’t enough for Abbott, Paxton, Patrick and their allies – now they’re doing everything they can through bogus legal actions to shut down Planned Parenthood once and for all. I’ve dedicated much of my life to pushing back against extremist attacks on our most fundamental rights, and I couldn’t sit on the sidelines while those same actors attempt to eradicate the crucial healthcare Planned Parenthood provides to patients across this state and this country each and every day. The opportunity to join Planned Parenthood and build on the great work of PPTV is an exciting privilege and responsibility, and I’m ready to get to work.”
You can read the bios of our new leadership team here.
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Planned Parenthood Texas Votes (PPTV) is the nonpartisan policy, advocacy and political arm for the Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas.
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