WORCESTER—UMass Memorial Health has eliminated its chief diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer position as part of a departmental restructuring the organization says is aimed at strengthening its commitment to equity and community engagement.
In a statement to the Worcester Guardian, UMass Memorial said it is “undertaking efforts to expand and strengthen the vital impact of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) department by more intentionally aligning it with our Community Benefits program, which has a deep understanding of the evolving needs of the patients we serve.”
The two departments are being merged and led by Mario Florez, who joined UMass Memorial in 2023 and now serves as vice president of Community Health and Caregiver Belonging. Florez previously worked at Trinity Health of New England and has a background in DEI efforts across the public health and education sectors.
In a separate statement to the Worcester Guardian, Florez said the health system remains “steadfast” in its DEIB commitment. “We are taking important steps to more intentionally align our Community Benefits and DEIB programs in support of our health system’s broader caregiver- and community-facing equity goals.”
UMass said the combined department will support “a better caregiver experience and improved care delivery across the diverse communities we serve.”
Crystal Roberts-Gilbert, JD, will continue her DEIB work within the restructured department, reporting to Florez. The department is now known as the Department of Community Health and Caregiver Belonging.
UMass Memorial also acknowledged the work of Dr. Brian Gibbs, who has served as Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer since the DEIB office was established. “We are grateful to Dr. Brian Gibbs for all he has done to establish our DEIB office, create training programs for caregivers and enhance our Talent Acquisition outreach to immigrant populations throughout Central Massachusetts,” the statement said. “We thank Dr. Gibbs for his lasting influence on the UMass Memorial community and wish him continued success.”
Gibbs’s last day is April 11, according to Kristy Lee, media and public relations manager for UMass Memorial Health. She confirmed the restructuring is unrelated to any federal changes or mandates.
