Advocates Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Advocates has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, financial management, and human resources.

Committed to fostering community inclusion, Advocates empowers individuals facing developmental and mental health challenges to secure stable housing, meaningful employment, and holistic wellness through comprehensive, person-centered support services across the region.

Leadership Roles at Advocates

  • Chief Executive Officer - Adil Zai Advocate
  • Pediatrician, Chief Executive Officer - Elizabeth Mumper
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jule Noack
  • Chief Financial Officer - James Horan
  • Chief Operating Officer - Thomas (Tom) Wagner
  • President of Advocates for Academic Freedom - Karen Schroeder
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Ronald Harvey
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Carleton Gebhardt
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Janine Taylor
  • Chief Medical Officer - Mark Viron
  • Adil Zai Advocate - Chief Executive Officer

    Adil Zai Advocate, the Chief Executive Officer at Advocates, directs the overarching strategic vision for this non-profit organization. By aligning clinical service delivery with community-based support models, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that individuals with developmental and mental health challenges receive high-quality care. Adil Zai Advocate manages the expansion of programs designed to facilitate independent living and meaningful employment for diverse populations. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health while scaling service capacity across Massachusetts. By prioritizing person-centered outcomes, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of fostering independence and social integration. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees that all initiatives remain consistent with the core values of dignity and respect. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term sustainability of these vital community health services.

    Elizabeth Mumper - Pediatrician, Chief Executive Officer

    Elizabeth Mumper, the Pediatrician, Chief Executive Officer at Advocates, integrates specialized medical expertise into the broader framework of developmental health services. As a Pediatrician, Chief Executive Officer, Mumper architects clinical protocols that address the unique needs of children and adolescents facing complex health challenges. This role involves bridging the gap between traditional medical care and community-based support systems to improve patient outcomes. Elizabeth Mumper oversees the implementation of evidence-based practices that promote long-term wellness and stability for vulnerable youth. By coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, the Pediatrician, Chief Executive Officer ensures that every individual receives comprehensive care tailored to specific developmental requirements. This leadership position drives the integration of pediatric health standards into the organization's wider mission of fostering independence. Through continuous evaluation of clinical efficacy, the Pediatrician, Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of care across all regional programs.
    Elizabeth Mumper

    Jule Noack - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jule Noack, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Advocates, governs the daily operations and long-term growth trajectory of the organization. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Noack executes high-level initiatives that expand access to addiction recovery and mental health support services. This leadership role requires balancing operational efficiency with the compassionate delivery of community-based care. Jule Noack manages relationships with external stakeholders and government partners to secure resources for critical programs. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains agile in responding to evolving public health needs. This position drives the development of innovative service models that help clients achieve housing stability and career success. Through strategic planning and rigorous performance monitoring, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the organization's reputation as a leader in the health services sector.

    James Horan - Chief Financial Officer

    James Horan, the Chief Financial Officer at Advocates, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. By managing complex budgets and funding streams, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are available to support essential mental health and addiction recovery programs. Horan architects financial models that allow for the sustainable growth of community-based services. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of audits, grant management, and long-term capital planning to maintain organizational stability. James Horan collaborates with the executive team to align financial goals with the mission of helping individuals achieve independence and good health. By optimizing revenue cycles and controlling operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary foundation for program expansion. This position drives the financial transparency and accountability required to maintain trust with donors and public partners while securing the future of the organization.

    Thomas (Tom) Wagner - Chief Operating Officer

    Thomas (Tom) Wagner, the Chief Operating Officer at Advocates, manages the day-to-day execution of community-based programs and internal infrastructure. Overseeing the operational backbone of the organization, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that service delivery remains consistent and scalable across all regional sites. Wagner architects efficient workflows that allow staff to focus on providing high-quality support for individuals with developmental and mental health challenges. This leadership role involves coordinating between departments to optimize resource allocation and maintain compliance with health service regulations. Thomas (Tom) Wagner drives the implementation of technology and process improvements that enhance the overall client experience. By monitoring key performance indicators, the Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for operational refinement and service expansion. This position supports the broader mission by ensuring that the organization operates with maximum efficiency while delivering compassionate, effective care to those in need.

    Karen Schroeder - President of Advocates for Academic Freedom

    Karen Schroeder, the President of Advocates for Academic Freedom at Advocates, directs the advocacy efforts and public outreach initiatives related to educational and intellectual liberty. By architecting campaigns that promote open discourse and academic integrity, the President of Advocates for Academic Freedom ensures that the organization's values are represented in the broader public sphere. Schroeder manages partnerships with educational institutions and community groups to advance the mission of fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can thrive. This leadership role involves coordinating public statements and policy positions that align with the organization's commitment to individual rights. Karen Schroeder drives the strategic communication efforts that raise awareness about the importance of academic freedom in the context of community health and social well-being. By leading these advocacy initiatives, the President of Advocates for Academic Freedom strengthens the organization's influence and commitment to the principles of liberty and personal growth.

    Ronald Harvey - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Ronald Harvey, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at Advocates, facilitates the administrative operations of the human resources department. By coordinating communication and scheduling for the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that leadership remains focused on talent acquisition and employee development. Harvey manages critical documentation and supports the implementation of HR policies that foster a supportive work environment. This role involves organizing internal initiatives that promote staff retention and professional growth within the health services sector. Ronald Harvey drives the efficiency of the HR department by streamlining administrative workflows and maintaining accurate records. By providing essential support to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer enables the organization to attract and retain the skilled professionals necessary to deliver high-quality care to the community.

    Carleton Gebhardt - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Carleton Gebhardt, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Advocates, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the organization. By architecting secure data systems, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that clinical information remains accessible and protected for staff providing mental health and addiction services. Gebhardt manages the integration of new software solutions that improve the efficiency of case management and client tracking. This leadership role involves aligning IT strategy with the organization's mission to provide high-quality, person-centered care. Carleton Gebhardt drives the adoption of innovative digital tools that enhance communication between care teams and clients. By overseeing cybersecurity and data integrity, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer maintains the trust of the community. This position supports the organization's growth by providing the technological foundation necessary for scalable and effective service delivery.
    Carleton Gebhardt

    Janine Taylor - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Janine Taylor, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Advocates, directs the talent strategy and organizational culture for the entire workforce. By architecting recruitment and training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization employs highly skilled professionals capable of delivering compassionate care to individuals with developmental and mental health challenges. Taylor manages employee relations and performance management systems to foster a productive and inclusive work environment. This leadership role involves aligning human capital with the strategic goals of the organization to ensure long-term success. Janine Taylor drives initiatives that promote staff well-being and professional development, which are critical for maintaining high standards of service. By overseeing compensation and benefits, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the talent necessary to support the mission. This position ensures that the workforce remains motivated and equipped to meet the complex needs of the community.
    Janine Taylor

    Mark Viron - Chief Medical Officer

    Mark Viron, the Chief Medical Officer at Advocates, directs the clinical standards and medical oversight for all health services. By architecting evidence-based treatment protocols, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that individuals with mental health and addiction challenges receive the highest quality of care. Viron manages the clinical staff and monitors patient outcomes to ensure alignment with best practices in the health services industry. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate medical care with community-based support services. Mark Viron drives the implementation of quality improvement initiatives that enhance the safety and effectiveness of treatment programs. By providing clinical guidance and expertise, the Chief Medical Officer maintains the organization's commitment to holistic wellness. This position supports the mission by ensuring that all medical interventions are both compassionate and scientifically sound, ultimately helping clients achieve better health and stability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Advocates Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Advocates?
    Advocates is led by Adil Zai Advocate (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Elizabeth Mumper (Pediatrician, Chief Executive Officer) and Jule Noack (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Advocates’s executive team?
    The executive team of Advocates includes leaders such as Adil Zai Advocate (Chief Executive Officer), Elizabeth Mumper (Pediatrician, Chief Executive Officer), Jule Noack (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Advocates have?
    Advocates has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Advocates’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Advocates includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Pediatrician, Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.