Categories

Categories

Upcoming Leadership Transition

Upcoming Leadership Transition

To my dear Mary’s Center community, 

With mixed emotions and immense gratitude, I share with you today that after 33 arduous and rewarding years, I will be departing Mary’s Center at the end of 2021.

When we planted the first humble seeds of Mary’s Center to meet an urgent need for Central American immigrants fleeing war and poverty, I never could have imagined we would grow from a small basement to seven locations across the region; from serving 200 women to over 60,000 people from all walks of life; from providing prenatal care to offering a full range of healthcare, education, and social services.

Because of all of you—our participants, staff, board of directors, donors, and partners—those initial seeds transformed into a flourishing, vibrant organization.

An organization that was built on compassion and embraces everyone who walks through our doors.

An organization that values high-quality care for all.

An organization that truly welcomes new ideas and innovation.

An organization that I have been proud to lead because it genuinely strives for the socioeconomic mobility of every individual and family that engages in the programming of Mary’s Center.

Over the years, Mary’s Center has adapted to many changes and has also advocated against many of the changes in our region. We have seen neighborhood demographics shift, funding priorities fluctuate, and governments come and go.

And yet with each of you cultivating Mary’s Center, we remain focused, firmly rooted in our resilient communities that face challenges overcoming their financial and social vulnerabilities.

With my departure comes an opportunity for the next leader to plant new seeds and propel Mary’s Center even further in partnership with our capable and seasoned leadership team.

We will be working hard to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months. Mary’s Center Chief People Officer Carlos Marroquin and I will be supporting the Board of Directors in the CEO search led by Spencer Stuart, an experienced executive search firm.

As I look ahead to next year, I hope to spend more time with friends and family, like my beloved husband Miachel and my cherished daughter Amalia, who will soon be a physician advocating for justice in the health arena.

Mary’s Center and all of you will forever remain in my heart, and please remember, now and always, Mary’s Center is here for you.

With much respect and appreciation, 

Maria S. Gomez, RN, MPH 

President & CEO 


For more on Maria and the transition: 

  • Learn about Maria’s achievements and her legacy here 
  • Share your memories, appreciation, and well wishes for Maria through our tribute form
  • Read the press release announcing Maria’s transition here