Dear OPHI friends, partners, and colleagues,
On behalf of the Oregon Public Health Institute's Board of Directors, it gives me great pleasure to announce Cyreena Boston Ashby as our new Chief Executive Officer.
Last summer we announced the hiring of a dual leadership team, including Dana Hargunani, MD, MPH, as OPHI's Chief Executive Officer, and Cyreena as OPHI's Chief Operating Officer. Over the past nine months, Dana and Cyreena have worked together to accelerate OPHI's organizational effectiveness and impact during a time of rebuilding. Their accomplishments have included:
- Stabilization and strengthening of current OPHI programs
- Thorough assessment of administrative and financial systems
- Expansion of OPHI's community partnerships
- Fundraising to support OPHI's core operations, capacity building and program needs
- Initiation of OPHI's strategic plan development, with expected completion this fall
At this complex time including Oregon's budget shortfall, uncertain federal funding, and the closeout of the organization's original endowment, our Board of Directors have the important job to remain responsible stewards of OPHI's financial strength and sustainability. Together with the executive leadership team, we have determined that now is the right time to transition into our long-term, single leadership model.
With deep experience in the issues facing Oregon's diverse communities, Cyreena is perfectly positioned to lead OPHI into our important next chapter. Cyreena has served in leadership roles for over a decade in Oregon nonprofit, political, health and government affairs organizations. She has worked on various aspects of the social determinants of health, including affordable housing, transportation and criminal justice. She also helped the Multnomah County Health Department launch its health equity initiative to focus energy and resources on reducing health disparities in Oregon's most populous communities. We are thrilled to welcome Cyreena in her new role as OPHI's CEO.
OPHI's Board of Directors would also like to share our sincere gratitude for Dana's important contributions to the organization over the past nine months. Dana's commitment to the organization has been unwavering, and her leadership vision, skills, and deep experience in the health system have brought new clarity to our organization and have positioned us for success moving forward. We are thankful in her willingness to join OPHI in a short-term leadership role, and are delighted that she will remain as a strategic advisor to the organization moving forward.
As important partners and supporters of OPHI, we are pleased to share our news with you and we look forward to our ongoing work together to improve health and advance equity.
Sincerely,
Ben Duncan
OPHI Board Chair
