FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (April 8, 2025) – The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers announced today that Stephanie Costa, currently the President & CEO of human services agency and ADDP member New England Village, has been named President & CEO of ADDP, effective July 1.
Costa has extensive experience in management roles on both the state and provider sides of the human services profession. At New England Village, she guided a complex organization charged with caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across southeastern Massachusetts. Prior to this role, she worked for an affiliate of the state Medicaid agency, where she managed relationships with behavioral health organizations, and was a Vice President for Administration and Finance at Newport Mental Health in Rhode Island.
“Stephanie’s broad range of experience in the provider community, behavioral health and state government, and her deep commitment to the people served by provider agencies, make her a natural choice for this vital and challenging leadership role,” said Diane Gould, ADDP Board Chair and President & CEO of Advocates. “Changes at the federal level and the impact of those changes in Massachusetts call for a steady and strong leader of this organization, and Stephanie is both. She also understands well the policy and regulatory frameworks that affect the provider community.”
Costa’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. As an ADDP board member and co-chair of the Day Services Committee, she has been a vocal advocate for policies that strengthen provider sustainability and enhance services for individuals with disabilities. She has also contributed her expertise to regional and statewide initiatives aimed at improving workforce development, expanding access to community-based services, and fostering innovation in human services delivery.
“Given Stephanie's experience in state government and in the community human services provider system, she is uniquely qualified to understand what the needs are and how to best meet them,” said Ellen Attaliades, who is retiring on June 30 after serving for seven years as ADDP President & CEO. “I am so pleased that the board has chosen someone so well prepared for this work at such a challenging time, one marked by federal policy shifts and funding constraints.”
Costa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
“Through my work with ADDP as a member, I’ve seen firsthand the critical role the organization plays in advocating for our field,” said Costa. “I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing the exemplary services that ADDP members provide every day to the individuals they support. I am truly honored to step into this role, where I can continue to promote and advocate for the incredible work being done across our community. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and working collaboratively to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
About ADDP
As a prominent statewide association, the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) represents more than 130 human service organizations that provide a wide range of services to individuals with IDD, including Autism, and who have brain injuries. ADDP’s mission is to promote and ensure the strength of its community-based providers so that they can be successful in improving access, quality, and the value of services in the community.
Contact:
Izzy Nickel, Ball Consulting Group, LLC
Phone: 617-243-9950; Email: izzy@ballcg.com