SHARON Olsen takes over as AWARE director

The agency has had an interim director since a walkout by most of its staff in August.
SHARON, Pa. -- Alternatives for Women: Advocacy, Resources & amp; Education has a new executive director.
Lizette M. Olsen, who was project director of Women's Health Advantage for Planned Parenthood of Mahoning Valley from March 1997 until September 1999, took over the position Monday, said Raymond Slovesko, president of the AWARE board of directors.
Olsen most recently was vice president for education and training at Planned Parenthood of Maryland, a post she took in October 1999.
She succeeds the Rev. Larry Haynes, who took over as interim director in August after a dispute between staff members and former executive director Leah Koon led to a walkout.
What happened: Koon went on medical leave the day before the Aug. 14 walkout and later resigned.
Eleven of 14 staff members walked off their jobs, shutting down the agency's emergency shelter and its counseling and support services for nearly two weeks.
The disgruntled staff had expressed dissatisfaction with Koon's leadership, and complained about what they called compromises in confidentiality for clients, a lack of communication with management and undependable leadership and direction.
The walkout ended with Haynes' appointment.
A number of board directors also resigned around that time.
Olsen holds a bachelor's degree and a master's in health education from the Pennsylvania State University.
In addition to her work with Planned Parenthood of Mahoning Valley, she served as a lecturer in continuing medical education at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown.