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Executive Director

Dianne Z. Newman was named Executive Director of the YWCA Greater Rhode Island (YWCAGRI) in April 2008.  Prior to joining the YWCA, Ms. Newman held the position of Executive Director of Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Massachusetts, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. She previously served as Coordinator of the Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) program in the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services, and created and directed the Board Development Program at the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island.

During the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, Dianne held positions in marketing, strategic planning, and business development with leading corporations including General Electric, AlliedSignal/Honeywell, and Northrop, and was a consultant at Arthur D. Little, Inc.  In announcing the appointment, Johanna LeClair, President of YWCAGRI noted: “We are looking forward to expanding the visibility and advocacy role of YWCAGRI.  Dianne’s background in marketing, her strong ties to the Rhode Island community, and her management skills should help make that a reality.”

Ms. Newman earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Ecology and Psychology from Cornell University, and was a member of the first class to graduate from Roger Williams University’s Masters of Public Administration program, earning her MPA in December 2006.  A Providence resident since 1983, she is married to Dr. Martin Newman, an optometrist at Rhode Island Eye Institute, and has two adult children and two grandchildren.