Dear Guardians and Families,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Advocates, I am writing to share that after 40 years of extraordinary leadership and service, Diane Gould will retire as Chief Executive Officer effective June 30, 2026.
Known for her humility and quiet strength, Diane listens deeply, leads with empathy, and always places the people we serve at the center of every decision. Guided by these values, Diane has overseen a period of remarkable growth, recently leading mergers that nearly doubled our size and strengthened Advocates’ position as one of Massachusetts’ largest and most trusted human services providers. Diane’s dedication to the individuals, families, and communities we serve has helped shape our organization into the strong, compassionate, and mission-driven organization it is today.
As we honor this important milestone, we also want to assure you that the organization is well-positioned for the future. A thoughtful transition process has been underway, and new leadership is in place to ensure continuity, stability, and continued excellence in the care and services provided to the people and families we support.
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Regina Marshall will become the next President & CEO of Advocates on July 1, 2026. Regina brings exceptional vision and experience, a deep understanding of our mission, and strong connections to the communities we serve. She embodies the shared values that guide all of us at Advocates – humility, inclusion, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on the people at the heart of our work.
Regina joined Advocates in 2015 as senior vice president for administrative operations after working in a senior role at the state’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services and as director of the Massachusetts Mental Health Center. She a member of the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities and a past Black Excellence on the Hill honoree, awarded by the Black & Latino Legislative Caucus.
Since 2021, Regina has served as Chief Operating Officer of Advocates, overseeing the operations of our many clinical, therapeutic, and residential programs. As COO, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives to strengthen service delivery and led the development and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan, with a strong focus on innovation, accountability, and improving care outcomes. Above all, Regina is committed to ensuring the agency’s services remain person-centered and anchored in the voice and choice of individuals and families served.
We deeply honor the trust you place in us to care for and support your loved ones. That commitment is constant and enduring. Our leadership team and dedicated staff will continue to deliver the same compassionate, dependable, and person-centered services you have come to expect from Advocates. This leadership transition strengthens and sustains our work, ensuring our programs and services remain vibrant, responsive, and focused on each individual’s needs.
In the coming months, you will have opportunities to meet Regina, learn more about her vision, and ask questions as we begin this new chapter together.
Thank you for your trust and partnership. We are honored to walk alongside you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Yarca P Kemp
Jessica P. Kemp, M.Ed.
Chair, Board of Directors
