Advocates Enters New Chapter Under Leadership of Regina Marshall

As Regina Marshall officially assumes the role of President and CEO of Advocates, the nonprofit human services provider is marking a leadership transition more than a decade in the making. For many of the 2,700+ employees and 50,000 individuals and families Advocates supports annually across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Marshall is a leader that reflects the diverse communities served by the organization.

This transition demonstrates the value of cultivating leadership from within at a time when nonprofit and human services organizations nationwide are navigating workforce shortages, growing demand for care, and increasing complexity across the health and social services landscape.

Marshall succeeds the community beloved Diane Gould, who retired June 30 following a 40-year career with Advocates, including 12 years as President and CEO. Having served as Chief Operating Officer since 2021 and as a member of the organization's executive leadership team for more than a decade, Marshall now leads one of the region's largest providers of behavioral health, developmental disability, brain injury, family, and community-based services.

Founded more than 50 years ago by families seeking better opportunities and support for their loved ones, Advocates today provides a broad continuum of services designed to help people thrive at home, at work, and in their communities. The organization supports more than 50,000 people annually through behavioral health clinics, crisis services, residential programs, disability and brain injury supports, employment services, family programs, and community-based initiatives across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Marshall joined Advocates in 2015 after serving in leadership roles within Massachusetts' health and human services system, including at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Massachusetts Mental Health Center. During her tenure at Advocates, she has helped oversee significant organizational growth, strengthened operational performance, guided strategic planning efforts, and played a key role in integrating major agency mergers while maintaining a strong focus on person-centered care.

Marshall's appointment reflects both her decade of leadership at Advocates and the organization's commitment to developing talent from within. After helping guide the organization's growth, strategic planning, and operational transformation, she steps into the CEO role with deep institutional knowledge and a clear vision for the future. Her transition also showcases the value of intentional succession planning in human services, where strong leadership is essential to meeting growing community needs.

As a Black woman leading one of Massachusetts' largest nonprofit human services organizations, Marshall's appointment also marks an important milestone for many staff, clinicians, and the individuals and families Advocates serves, reinforcing the value of leadership that reflects the diversity of the communities it supports.

"Advocates is entering this next chapter with a clear responsibility to meet people where they are and expand the care communities need most," said Marshall. "This moment reflects both the strength of our mission and the strength of our people. As a Black woman stepping into this role, I recognize the importance of representation and the message it sends to our staff, clinicians, and the individuals and families we support. Looking ahead, my focus is on expanding access to care, supporting our workforce, embracing innovation, and building partnerships that help us meet growing community needs. The future of human services is collaborative, person-centered, and community-based, and Advocates is well positioned to help lead it."

Today, Advocates operates a full continuum of services spanning behavioral health, developmental disability, brain injury, family, employment, and community support programs. As demand for behavioral health services, disability supports, housing stability resources, and family services continues to rise, Marshall believes nonprofit providers have an increasingly important role to play in helping people access support earlier and remain connected to their communities.

"The future of human services will require innovation, collaboration, and leaders who understand both the challenges facing our communities and the opportunities ahead," said Jessica Kemp, Chair of Advocates' Board of Directors. "Regina brings that combination of vision and experience. As she steps into this role, we are confident she will continue advancing Advocates' mission, strengthening our impact across the region, and positioning the organization to meet the growing and changing needs of the people we serve for years to come."

Looking ahead, Marshall plans to build upon Advocates' strong foundation while positioning the organization to meet emerging community needs. Her priorities include expanding access to behavioral health services, strengthening recruitment and retention across the human services workforce, increasing partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations, and leveraging innovation to improve access, quality, and outcomes for the people Advocates supports.

As the organization enters its next chapter, Marshall says Advocates will remain grounded in the philosophy that has guided it for more than five decades: First, we listen.

"People's needs don't fit neatly into categories," Marshall said. "Behavioral health, housing, employment, family support, and community connection are deeply interconnected. Our responsibility is to listen, understand what matters most to each person, and work together to build supports that help people live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. That mission will continue guiding everything we do."