BAMSI Names First Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Felicia Heywood, LICSW

Brockton, MA (July 24, 2023) – BAMSI continues to fulfill its commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility with the hiring of Felicia Heywood as its first Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Beginning in 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, BAMSI formed an agency wide committee to assess and address issues related to race, racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia; committing to creating meaningful and sustained change in collaboration with its employees, individuals served, and community partners.

“It’s been a long and deliberate process, but we wanted to get this right,” said CEO Peter Evers. “We’ve spent a lot of time listening to our community, those we serve, and employees from across the agency to make sure BAMSI was truly ready to hire an EVP of DEI. Felicia is exactly the right person to capitalize on that work and lead BAMSI forward.”

Felicia, a licensed social worker, brings a deep understanding of the specific challenges human service agencies face regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ms. Heywood most recently served as Senior Vice President of Administrative Operations at Advocates and has held senior roles in The Home for Little Wanders, Department of Children & Families, and Wayside Youth & Family Support Network during her 30+ year career.

“I am especially eager to bring my decades of experience in our field and my passion for equity and justice to the work that has already begun,” Felicia commented. “I have been so impressed by the thoughtful approach the organization has taken to the work of building a more equitable organization. I was thankful for the opportunity to meet many members of the community in the interview process and was inspired by their vision and dedication!”

“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the heart of everything BAMSI does,” said Evers. “We serve diverse populations that are often excluded from society due to disability or diagnosis and our volunteers and workforce represent people from around the globe.”

Felicia graduated from Smith College with a BA in Clinical Psychology and Political Science and earned her Master of Social Work from Salem State University. She is a member of the Division of Professional Licensure of the Board of Registration of Social Workers for the National Association of Social Workers, Greater Boston Association of Black Social Workers, and Child Welfare League of America.