Jacquelyn L. Lendsey

Jacquelyn L. Lendsey "serves as President/CEO of Women in Community Service (WICS). Women in Community Service, a national nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, is dedicated to reducing the number of women and youth living in poverty by promoting self-reliance and economic independence. Founded in 1964 by five major national women’s organizations – Church Women United, the National Council of Jewish Women, the National Council of Negro Women, the American G.I. Forum Women, and the National Council of Catholic Women WICS actively addresses critical national issues surrounding employment, job training, welfare reform, poverty and cultural diversity. WICS staff and volunteers help women and youth by providing support services, mentoring, life management skills and workforce preparation programs nationwide. Ms. Lendsey is responsible for ensuring the success of WICS programs and services and guiding the work of more than 120 staff, along with thousands of volunteers, working in 20 offices and countless communities throughout the United States.

"Prior to joining WICS, Ms. Lendsey served for three years as Vice President for Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. (PPFA). Founded in 1916, Planned Federation of America is the nation’s oldest and largest reproductive health organization, with 127 affiliates and 850 health clinics in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Ms. Lendsey was responsible for all areas of public policy for PPFA including government relations, state and affiliate program development, grassroots initiatives, global partnerships and public policy litigation and law. Ms. Lendsey was also responsible for the Federation’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and Planned Parenthood Republicans for Choice.

"Ms. Lendsey served as Vice President for Corporate and Community Development for Greater Southeast Healthcare System prior to joining Planned Parenthood. Greater Southeast was a network of hospitals, long-term care facilities and community-based programs serving the residents of southeast Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ms. Lendsey was responsible for communications, public relations, fundraising, board education and board relations, and community relations.

"Ms. Lendsey serves on the Board of Directors of the National Conference for Community and Justice, the National Assembly of Health and Human Service Organizations and the Friends of Zambia. Ms. Lendsey has served on the Boards of Directors of Mentors, Inc., Davis Memorial Goodwill, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Research and Education Foundation, the National Minority Aids Council and Leadership Washington. She is also a former member of the national Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and former Chair of the Board of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington.

"Ms. Lendsey, a native Washingtonian, received her Bachelor of Science degree from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York and her Masters of Education from Howard University. She is a member of Leadership Washington."

• Director, Center for Women Policy Studies