Category: News / Press Releases

Darcey Cobbs-Lomax Named Executive Director of NewAlliance Foundation

The Board of Directors of NewAlliance Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Darcey Cobbs-Lomax as the new Executive Director of the Foundation, succeeding Maryann Ott, effective February 16, 2026.

In her roles as Executive Director of the Office of Health Equity & Community Impact at Yale New Haven Health System and previously as Executive Director of Project Access of New Haven, Darcey brings extensive experience developing and managing complex organizational strategies with compassion and a strong commitment to service. Throughout her career in health care, Darcey has been recognized for building strong teams, stewarding resources responsibly, and centering community well-being.

Darcey joins NewAlliance Foundation at a moment of strength. Working in partnership with LaKisha Jordan, Director of Programs, and alongside the Board and community partners, she will build on the Foundation’s strong foundation and ongoing work in understanding community needs, strengthening literacy resources, and dismantling systems that perpetuate poverty and racism. Together, this leadership team will continue advancing the Foundation’s mission with collaboration, integrity, and shared purpose.

“We welcome Darcey with enthusiasm and anticipation of a bright future for NewAlliance Foundation in increasing its influence and impact in serving the community.,” said Bob Lyons, Board Chairman. “We look forward to the leadership, insight and collaborative spirit Darcey will bring to NewAlliance Foundation.”

“I am honored to join NewAlliance Foundation at this pivotal time, when advancing literacy and racial equity through strong community partnerships is more important then ever,” said Cobbs-Lomax. “Together with the Board, staff, and community partners, I look forward to creating lasting, community-driven impact.”

New Haven, CT- June 2025
Maryann Ott, Executive Director of NewAlliance Foundation, to Retire at Year’s End
Contact: Maryann Ott, (203) 859-6555, mott@newalliancefoundation.org

Maryann Ott, Executive Director of the NewAlliance Foundation—an independent charitable foundation based in New Haven—has announced her plans to retire at the end of 2025, concluding a two-decade tenure marked by deep community engagement.

Ott joined the Foundation in 2005 as Managing Director, working alongside former Executive Director Kim Healey to distribute nearly $33 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across Connecticut. These grants supported a wide range of causes including the arts, community development, health and human services, and youth and education. In 2020, she helped lead a pivotal shift in the Foundation’s mission to focus on organizations advancing literacy, strengthening communities, and dismantling systems of poverty and racism.

“Maryann has devoted her career to supporting and building community,” said Bob Lyons, the NewAlliance Foundation’s Board Chair. “She has brought a blend of curiosity, creativity and compassion with enthusiasm and energy to her engagement.” Lyons continued, describing Ott as, “a stalwart advocate for literacy,” and noting her focus on helping children develop and maintain reading skills to enable them to succeed in school and ultimately live into their full potential.

Among her many contributions, Ott is especially proud of READy for the Grade, a program she envisioned and launched in 2013. One of the NewAlliance Foundation’s signature programs, READy for the Grade addresses summer reading loss in children from families with low income by partnering with public libraries throughout the state. To date, 1,684 students in kindergarten through third grade have maintained or reached grade-level reading thanks to the program.

Paul McCraven, Board Treasurer of the NewAlliance Foundation, called READy for the Grade, “one of many lasting legacies Maryann leaves to Connecticut’s communities.”

Claudette Stockwell, Director of the Killingly Public Library, praised Ott’s leadership and compassion: “Her uplifting demeanor made every interaction a pleasure. Maryann’s dedication to community literacy ensured that countless young readers didn’t fall behind—but instead gained confidence and a lifelong love of reading. She has helped strengthen the foundation of our community for generations to come.”

Throughout her career, Ott has been celebrated for her ability to help others realize their full potential. Elaine Carroll, CEO of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, first met Ott in 2001. “Maryann has a rare gift: she takes the time to truly understand people—their values, motivations, and dreams,” Carroll said. “As times have changed and community needs have evolved, she’s helped me think through how to adapt and stay meaningfully connected to the people we serve. Her insight and deep knowledge of the field have had an impact that goes far beyond the grants she administers.”

Jackie Downing, Senior Director of Grantmaking and Nonprofit Support at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, has worked closely with Ott for more than 20 years. “Maryann has given our community a balance of critical thinking and compassion; of power and partnership; of local and statewide vision,” she said. “She leaves a legacy of strong relationships and stronger organizations.”

In addition to her role at the Foundation, Ott currently serves as Board Chair of The Institute Library in New Haven and sits on the boards of the Connecticut Map Society and the Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists, both of which she co-founded. She will officially step down from her role on December 31. The NewAlliance Foundation Board has begun a search process.

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