After nearly a decade of dedicated leadership, Compassion & Choices and the Compassion & Choices Action Network (CCAN) announced today that President and CEO Kim Callinan is stepping down. Callinan, known for her visionary leadership and unwavering advocacy for expanding and improving end-of-life care across the country, has decided to make way for fresh perspectives to guide the organizations through their next phase of development.
Callinan will remain on staff until September 30, 2024, and will be available to the organization through the transition in order to ensure that we have a smooth transfer of relationships and responsibilities. During this period, Kevin Díaz, chief legal advocacy officer and general counsel, will serve as interim CEO, leading the organization alongside the senior leadership team. The board of directors has commenced a national search for a new president and CEO who will take the helm and build on the solid foundation established during Callinan’s tenure.
Since 2015, Kim Callinan has been at the forefront of the movement for expanded end-of-life options. Under her leadership, Compassion & Choices and the Compassion & Choices Action Network nearly doubled its combined budget to $23 million, while staff grew from 65 to 115 employees nationwide. This expansion enabled the organization to deepen its impact and broaden its reach in providing end-of-life care options to people around the country.
Throughout her tenure, Callinan oversaw transformative progress in advancing medical aid-in-dying laws, addressing end-of-life inequities and empowering people to make informed decisions about their care. Her efforts brought about profound social change, including normalizing advance care planning for those with dementia and expanding outreach to diverse cultural and linguistic communities.
Callinan also played a pivotal role in growing the Compassion & Choices Action Network, positioning it as the lobbying arm of the end-of-life movement and launching it on a trajectory to become a formidable electoral force for expanded end-of-life options.
Reflecting on her time as CEO, Callinan said, “I feel immense pride in the organization’s accomplishments and believe that now is the perfect time for Compassion & Choices to welcome fresh perspectives and energy to guide it through its next chapter. It has been an honor to work alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals, and to be part of a movement that touches so many lives.”
The board of directors, along with Callinan and the leadership team, are committed to ensuring a seamless transition. The board has secured the necessary resources for an effective search for the next president and CEO, while Díaz and the chiefs team will continue to manage operations and provide leadership throughout this transition period.
“Kim’s decision reflects a reality that, because of her work and that of our staff, volunteers and supporters, Compassion & Choices is stronger than ever and ready for the future,” said Jerri Shaw, chair of the board of directors. “We are confident that her successor will continue to advance the mission with the same passion and dedication.”
Kevin Díaz, interim CEO, expressed his commitment to carrying forward the organization’s mission. “We have come this far with the dedication of our board, our generous supporters, and our incredible volunteers and staff. I am certain that with their continued partnership, we will grow our efforts to expand options, empower healthcare consumers and improve care for everyone.”
Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts
Michael Cavaiola
National Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
Phone: (480) 622 4427
Patricia A. González-Portillo
Senior National Latino Media Director
[email protected]
(323) 819 0310
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
