Former Komen Official Broadens Her Mission as the New Leader of YWCA USA

When Dara Richardson-Heron was growing up, her parents instilled the belief that gender and race should never be a barrier to following her dreams. Their daughter took those ideas to heart and became the first physician in her family.

Now, as the new chief executive of the YWCA of the USA, she has the opportunity to bring her parents’ message of empowerment to people who look to the charity for leadership in fighting racism, helping victims of domestic violence, advocating for equal pay for women, and other issues.

There is no time to waste, says Dr. Richardson-Heron, 49. “I personally don’t remember a time in my adult life when women’s rights appear to be more challenged,” she says. “It’s important to have an organization like the YWCA out there to advocate on behalf of women and make sure we don’t roll back the clock.”

YWCA USA, which will vote on a major internal reorganization in November, sought a leader with demonstrated fundraising and managerial skills, says Deb Strong, chief executive of YWCA York, in Pennsylvania, who led the search committee.

During Dr. Richardson-Heron’s tenure as chief executive of the New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the group raised more money than any other local affiliate. She left the chapter in March to explore new opportunities, Dr. Richardson-Heron told The Chronicle, but news reports at the time said she resigned after the national Komen organization decided to stop providing money to Planned Parenthood groups, a controversial decision it later reversed.

“We wanted someone with passion and commitment and drive for the mission,” says Ms. Strong. “A great fundraising track record in this economy was pretty far up in terms of priorities too.”

A Broader Mission

Leading YWCA USA fits Dr. Richardson-Heron’s career trajectory. Each job she has had has provided an ever larger platform to improve the lives of women and families. Not content to be part of a private medical practice, she took a position in which she oversaw the health of 16,000 employees of Consolidated Edison, the New York energy company. Now, as she moves from a breast-cancer group to one with a broader mission, Dr. Richardson-Heron says she looks forward to improving women’s health and advocating on women’s issues.

She joins the group this month but doesn’t officially become its leader until December 3. Until then she will spend time talking with leaders and staff members at many of the 250 local YWCA’s about how the national organization can support their efforts.

“People don’t spend enough time talking to people on the ground doing the work,” Dr. Richardson-Heron says. “I don’t plan to make that mistake.”

About Dr. Richardson-Heron

Education: B.A., biology, Barnard College; M.D., New York University

Career highlights: CEO, Greater New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure; national chief medical officer for the United Cerebral Palsy Association; executive medical director for Consolidated Edison, the New York energy company

Salary: Not disclosed