Kerry Diaz Announced at Interim CEO April 15, 2025

The Lord’s Place Board of Directors recently announced the decision to appoint an interim and
highly experienced leader to take over Diana Stanley’s role as CEO on a temporary basis. Kerry
Diaz, J.D., has agreed to step into the role of Interim CEO while the CEO search committee
continues to identify the agency’s next permanent leader.

“Finding the right individual to replace Diana after 17 remarkable years of dedication and
visionary leadership in expanding services and resources for the most disadvantaged in Palm
Beach County has required a thoughtful and thorough process. We want to ensure the right
candidate assumes the position to continue inspiring our team, enriching our community, and,
most importantly, serving those in need,” stated Cornie Thornburgh, chair of the Board of
Directors.

Diaz most recently served as The Lord’s Place Chief Operating Officer from 2021-2023, where
she oversaw the agency’s operations, including its information technology, property
management, and housing acquisition/expansion components. She has strong knowledge of the
many dimensions of nonprofit management, including: programming, finance, advancement,
research and evaluation, legal compliance, human resources, and administration. She also
previously served as chief executive officer of the Quantum Foundation.

Thornburgh added, “Given Kerry’s proven track record in nonprofit leadership, operations, and
strategy–coupled with her compassion and love of our mission–we have full confidence in her
ability to lead The Lord’s Place as we continue our careful search. Additionally, Kerry is fully
known to the board, staff, community, key stakeholders, and donors, making her a great choice
to move into the interim role as CEO.”

Stanley announced her retirement in March 2024. Her servant leadership and indefatigable
work ethic have been the driving force behind The Lord’s Place’s growth and impact:
transforming the agency from a struggling nonprofit with 30 employees into a highly recognized
organization of $17 million in revenues–employing 130 staff, operating 15 housing campuses,
and providing services to close to 1,900 individuals annually on their journey out of
homelessness. Stanley has advocated relentlessly for the most vulnerable in our community
and has developed new partnerships and collaborations between local agencies, elevating and
championing the local nonprofit community. She has led the agency and community in viewing
the end to homelessness as more than housing, including the services and skills training that
ensure individuals become productive citizens.

Diaz will officially return to The Lord’s Place starting January 27, 2025. Stanley will remain CEO
until February 3, 2025, ensuring a thorough handover of responsibilities and key relationships.
On February 3, Stanley will become President of The Lord’s Place Foundation, where she will
remain connected to the agency as she and a dedicated foundation board oversee donors’
investments for long-term sustainability.

“Once again, we express our profound gratitude for Diana’s extraordinary leadership, exemplary
service to the community, and unwavering passion for making a difference in the lives of the
poor and homeless. In tandem, we are most grateful to Kerry for agreeing to serve as Interim
CEO. As an already valued leader within our agency and our community, Kerry will make this
transition as smooth as possible as she continues to drive key initiatives, advise on strategy,
and manage change until we elect a new permanent CEO,” said Thornburgh.