Regina Marshall
Regina Marshall has officially assumed the role of president and CEO of Advocates, marking a leadership transition more than a decade in the making.
Succeeding the community-beloved Diane Gould, who retired June 30 after a 40-year tenure, Marshall now leads one of the region’s largest nonprofit human services providers.
Supporting over 50,000 individuals and families annually in Massachusetts and Rhode Island with a workforce of more than 2,700, Advocates offers a continuum of care spanning behavioral health, developmental disability, brain injury, family, employment and crisis services.
The Northeastern University-educated attorney joined Advocates in 2015 following leadership roles in state health and human services agencies, serving as chief operating officer since 2021. During her decade on the executive team, she guided strategic planning, strengthened operations and integrated major agency mergers.
Her appointment highlights the value of intentional succession planning during a period of nationwide workforce shortages and rising demand for care. As a Black woman leading one of Massachusetts’ largest human services nonprofits, Marshall’s appointment also marks a meaningful milestone for representation across the organization and the communities it serves.
“Advocates is entering this next chapter with a clear responsibility to meet people where they are and expand the care communities need most,” Marshall said. “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.”
Board Chair Jessica Kemp expressed full confidence in the transition.
“Regina brings that combination of vision and experience. As she steps into this role, we are confident she will continue advancing Advocates’ mission and positioning the organization to meet growing community needs.”
As Advocates enters its next chapter, the new CEO emphasizes that the organization will remain grounded in its founding philosophy: First, we listen.
“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,” Marshall said.
