
Faye Wattleton
Social Activist, Author and Businesswoman
Faye Wattleton is a Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal and Heads the board governace advisory practice, in New York. Ms. Wattleton’s distinguished career spans more than three decades, during which she has amassed an extraordinary track record for leadership, both as a CEO of national not-for-profit organizations and serving on the boards of public…
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Full Bio
Faye Wattleton is a Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal and Heads the board governace advisory practice, in New York. Ms. Wattleton’s distinguished career spans more than three decades, during which she has amassed an extraordinary track record for leadership, both as a CEO of national not-for-profit organizations and serving on the boards of public and private corporations, academic institutions and high-impact philanthropic organizations.
Perhaps best known for her executive leadership and advocacy of improving the status and healthcare of women, she brings dynamic and demonstrable experience as an executive, board member and consultant in the health sector and public policy arenas. She has served as a director for a range of public companies, including as chair of audit and corporate governance committees.
Prior to joining A&M, Ms. Wattleton served as Co-Founder and President of the Center for the Advancement of Women, an independent, nonpartisan think tank, conducting women-focused national research for public education and policy advocacy. During her leadership, CFAW received national and international acclaim for its groundbreaking research on women’s opinions, experiences, roles and status in society.
From 1978 to 1992, Ms. Wattleton was President and CEO of the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary reproductive health provider, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). She was the youngest, first woman and first African American-and longest tenured professional-to hold this position.
At the time of her departure, a restructured Planned Parenthood had grown to become the nation’s seventh largest nonprofit organization, with an aggregate budget of $500 million, providing medical and educational services to four million Americans each year, through 170 affiliates operating in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Under its international arm, known as Family Planning International Assistance, PPFA provided technical assistance and commodities to organizations in dozens of developing countries.
Lauded as a public spokesperson and for her managerial skills and revolutionary public policy advancement by Business Week and Money, Ms. Wattleton has received countless honors and awards. She is the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Fries Prize for service to improving public health and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993.
With more than three decades of corporate governance experience serving public and private corporations, Ms. Wattleton is an active member of the board of trustees of Columbia University, the board of governors of the PardeeRand Graduate School and serves on the board of directors of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Previously, she served on the boards of directors of public companies including Ehrlich-BoberFinancial Services (1986-1988), Leslie Fay (1993-1998), Estée Lauder Companies (1995-2003), WellChoice, Inc. (1993-2005), QuidelCorporation (1994-2006) and SavientPharmaceuticals (1997-2007).
Ms. Wattleton earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ohio State University and a master’s degreefrom Columbia University. She holds fourteen honorary degrees.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
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