The Board of Directors of Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. announces the appointment of Diane Hewitt-Johnson as Interim Chief Executive Officer, following the departure of Franklin Monjarrez, effective immediately.

Hewitt-Johnson has been employed by COI for approximately 15 years, and most recently as director of operations.

In furtherance of COI’s mission to lead the fight against poverty by mobilizing resources and creating partnerships to promote empowerment, economic independence and opportunities, Hewitt-Johnson has been responsible for day-to-day development and implementation of strategies, guidance and direction for the delivery of all agency programs in alignment with COI’s mission and vision.

Hewitt-Johnson brings extensive management experience to the position. She served as the agency’s director of health since January, 2009. In this role she was responsible for oversight of Chautauqua Opportunities’ Health Division where her duties included supervision, ensuring regulatory compliance, program and policy development, grant writing, and community partnerships and collaborations.

Prior to this, Hewitt-Johnson served as the agency’s director of economic development where she assumed responsibility for the administration of economic development programs and associated activities of the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that included The Chautauqua Micro-enterprise Loan Fund, Women and Minority Loan Fund, Home Appliance Loan Fund, Building for Business Individual Accounts and Small Business Incubator.

She holds a master of science in strategic leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College.