Margot Fahnestock Named PMC’s New President & CEO

Population Media Center’s (PMC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Margot Fahnestock as the new President & Chief Executive Officer effective February 1, 2025. With an impressive career spanning global health, strategic development, and nonprofit leadership, Margot brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to PMC’s mission of improving health and social outcomes worldwide through storytelling and media.

“We are thrilled to welcome Margot to the PMC family,” said Fran Stoddard, PMC Board of Directors Co-Chair. “Her deep commitment to global equity, strategic leadership, and collaborative approach will be instrumental in expanding our reach and driving sustainable development initiatives through media and storytelling.”

Margot joins PMC from Medicines360, where she served as Vice President of Strategic Development. In this role, she led mission-driven program development, impact measurement, and resource mobilization, working to expand contraceptive access across the globe. Prior to this, Margot was a Program Officer at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, overseeing grant-making efforts aimed at reducing unintended pregnancies and improving reproductive health and rights in East, West, and Southern Africa.

“Our current realities globally are challenging: climate change, climate- and economic-driven migration, wealth disparities, and political instability,” said Margot. “While there’s no one solution to all of these challenges, I’m passionate that if we address the rights of women and girls and support them to live their fullest lives, this will have tremendous benefits for the planet, our societies, and of course, their own well-being.”

Margot’s career has been defined by her leadership in major global health initiatives. She played a pivotal role in the founding of the Ouagadougou Partnership, which has successfully mobilized over $250 million in funding to advance family planning efforts across Francophone West Africa. Her experience also includes serving as a policy analyst and project manager at Futures Group, where she provided technical and managerial oversight for family planning, HIV/AIDS, and malaria policy programs. Additionally, Margot served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Mali, West Africa, where she taught English at a secondary school.

“I am inspired by Margot’s ability to create impactful partnerships and drive innovative solutions – all of which aligns perfectly with PMC’s mission and goals,” said Bill Ryerson who founded PMC in 1998 and led the organization as its President prior to Margot. “I will be transitioning to Founder and President Emeritus and will still be involved with PMC, but I already know Margot will greatly strengthen the organization in multiple ways. We’re excited to get started.”

Margot’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as PMC continues to grow its global footprint, delivering impactful media programs that address critical health and social challenges. Her leadership will build upon the organization’s strong foundation while bringing new strategies and partnerships to advance its mission.

“I’m honored to be the next President and CEO of PMC because I believe in the power of storytelling to shape the way people think, live, and act,” said Margot. “In a world that seems increasingly divided and polarized, stories can unite and shape conversations.”

Please join us in welcoming Margot Fahnestock to the PMC community. You are invited to a virtual a Conversation With Margot on March 6th at 1 PM EST. Together, we look forward to a future of meaningful change and continued progress.