PHI’s Dawson to step down; Sturgeon to take helm

PHI President Steven Dawson plans to step down from his position on September 1, 2012, after 20 years of service, the organization announced Thursday.

Dawson, PHI’s founding president, will continue to serve on the PHI staff in a newly created position of “strategic advisor.”

“Over the years, Steven has built a strong organization with an unprecedented team that has helped to establish national awareness of the essential role played by direct-care workers in the lives of elders and people with disabilities,” said PHI Board Chair Rick Surpin.

PHI’s board of directors has selected current Vice President Jodi Sturgeon to replace Dawson in September.

“Sturgeon, who over the past seven years was PHI’s chief operating and financial officer before becoming vice president, works closely with Dawson to guide the organization in its growth, impact and sustainability,” PHI said. “She is a highly skilled administrator and strategist who has worked in nonprofit executive positions for a decade before joining the PHI staff.”

PHI said the advanced notice of this leadership transition was to “inform our key stakeholders, and to prepare our staff leadership for the next phase of our development—while still ensuring that Steven’s expertise and strategic thinking will remain a key asset to PHI.”


Topics: Advocacy , Leadership