She’s In Charge: African-American Women CEOs In Corporate America

Faye Wattleton became known for her outspoken pro-choice stance and as a fierce women’s health care advocate when she was President and CEO of the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary reproductive health provider, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), from 1978 to 1992. She was the youngest, first woman and first African American, and the longest tenured professional to hold this position. She helped restructure Planned Parenthood, building it to become the nation’s seventh largest nonprofit organization.

Wattleton is  currently a managing director with Alvarez & Marsal.  She serves on the board of directors of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Previously, she served on the boards of directors of Leslie Fay (1993-1998), Estée Lauder Companies (1995-2003) and WellChoice, Inc. (1993-2005).

Wattleton earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ohio State University and a master’s degree from Columbia University.

We’re highlighting Pioneers in the Game every day here on Madame Noire. Click here to meet all of our salutes.