WILMINGTON — Planned Parenthood of Delaware announces the appointment of April Thomas-Jones as its new president and chief executive officer.

Ms. Thomas-Jones will serve as the first person of color to lead the organization in the First State and brings her passion for access to quality healthcare as a human right to the role.

Ms. Thomas-Jones has experience as both an educator and a nonprofit leader, most recently as the executive director of the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia.

She oversaw 18 sites throughout the city, developing programs, fundraising, and cultivating relationships with numerous institutions including city government, civic organizations, and local sports teams. Her vision and ability to navigate complex challenges set her apart as a leader who is ready to tackle reproductive health in all of Delaware’s communities. 

“We are thrilled to welcome April Thomas-Jones as the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Delaware,” said Karen Hudson, chair of the Board of Directors, “Her extensive experience in education, non-profit leadership and focus on community outreach is perfect for the vision and mission of PPDE. We are confident that under her leadership, Planned Parenthood of Delaware will continue to provide vital services to the community and will champion the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health.” 

Ms. Thomas-Jones’ core value that everyone should have affordable, accessible healthcare is born out of her experience growing up in a diverse neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia and working in the city for over 15 years. 

“Equitable healthcare should not be a privilege, but a right,” Ms. Thomas-Jones said. “This is a personal and professional passion of mine that I bring to my new role from Day One. I couldn’t be more proud to serve at the helm of an organization that provides care, no matter what.” 

Ms. Thomas-Jones is a Philadelphia native. She has a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, and advertising from Temple University and a Master’s in Education from Lincoln University.

She worked as an educator before becoming a Program Director of Youth Development at the University of Pennsylvania with a focus on safety, health and wellness for teens.

As the executive director of the Old Pine Community Center she displayed her fiscal management skills, minimizing a $95,000 deficit to less than $15,000.

By the following year the budget was balanced and began to have a surplus in which it still maintains. While at Old Pine, she also started the FACT Program, which provides food, aid, clothing, and training to the larger Philadelphia community. 

Continuing her commitment to creating wellness in her community, Ms. Thomas-Jones became the executive director of the Philadelphia Police Athletic League where she created a culture of diversity and inclusion at the board level as well as within the organization while also creating new partnerships in state and local government and the business community.