Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer of OCES, Honored as she Retires

OCES announced that Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OCES, has retired from the organization after 26 years.

Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan honored Ms. DiGiorgi for her leadership, dedication and commitment with an official Proclamation for her 26 years of service during a celebration that included the agency’s Board of Directors and staff at OCES’ Brockton office on Main Street.

Ms. DiGiorgi, who holds an MBA from Northeastern University, began her career at OCES as Finance Director in 1996. At that time OCES had 9 programs, an office on 1 floor of their current building, 80 employees and $7.9 million annual revenue. After her appointment to CEO in 2006, succeeding former Executive Director Edward Donovan, DiGiorgi expertly led OCES through a period of rapid growth and expansion of services and programs, along with increased staff and offices. During this time, she also held positions of Treasurer and Vice President on the Mass Home Care Association and served as co-chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) Committee on Elder and Chronic Homelessness, working to build partnerships that enhance coordination to maximize housing and service resources.

In 2017, OCES’ Board of Directors announced senior management restructuring and made changes to build upon the agency’s strong positive reputation, while continuing to meet consumers’ increasing needs, embracing new opportunities, and encouraging growth within the organization. Ms. DiGiorgi took on the new role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to concentrate primarily on internal business operations and Nicole Long was appointed CEO to concentrate primarily on external relationships.

<strong>A Legacy for the Community</strong>

During DiGiorgi’s tenure, OCES was honored with several awards and experienced many milestones. In 2007, OCES received the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. In 2009, OCES received the Economic Development Impact Award presented by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, OCES’ Adult Family Care (AFC) Program was awarded a three-year Accreditation status, the highest award available, from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Milestones included creation of the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force; establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton; and formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University – all of which continue today. In 2013, the first Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. Healthy Living Workshops and other programs were launched. OCES opened a second office on South Meadow Road in Plymouth, which also houses its dedicated Volunteer Center. DiGiorgi oversaw the purchase and several renovations of the Main Street building which serves as OCES’ corporate office and reflects OCES’ longtime business, economic and community commitment to downtown Brockton.

By 2019, OCES had expanded to 20 programs, two offices, and 244 staff and $58.9 million in annual revenue.

"Diana's vision, leadership and compassion truly set her apart and it has been an honor working with her over the years,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “Diana played an integral role in building a solid foundation for OCES, upon which we will continue to broaden our reach and expand access for generations to come. Congratulations Diana, and best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement!"