CEO One-on-One: Diane Gould of Advocates

Ms. Gould was appointed as chief executive for Advocates Inc. about eight months ago, after her predecessor, Bill Taylor, died of cancer. As much as she has embraced her role as head of the Framingham-based nonprofit — which has more than 1,200 employees, annual revenues of about $70 million and serves roughly 20,000 people a year throughout the state — she said it has not been an easy transition as the company mourns its former leader while looking at what is ahead.

Growing up, did you ever see yourself as the head of one of the largest human services organizations in the state?

"No, I really saw myself as a social worker working in mental health — working with people one-on-one or working in groups.

"When I came to Advocates, my outlook expanded to include people with intellectual and physical disabilities. I came here thinking I would do this work for maybe five years and then do something else. I came in at a time when the organization was quite small but it was growing. State hospitals were closing, state schools were continuing to close, a lot of people were transitioning out of state institutions into the community, and it was very exciting work.

"There was so much opportunity for me to grow and change with (Advocates) and it made just so much sense for me to stay. I was fortunate to work for this great leader who was a wonderful friend and mentor."