2025 brings several changes to Ocean State Charities Trust (OSCT). Executive Director, Jane Lynch, retired at the end of 2024 after a long and storied career in the non-profit sector. As the face of Ocean State Charities for more than twenty years, Jane made an indelible imprint on the non-profit community.
Under Jane’s leadership, the Trust provided support in areas ranging from small projects like software upgrades to installation of security systems. Historically, grants were geared towards the purchase of tangible items for non-profit organizations. In recent years, particularly in response to COVID, the Trust has contributed to food pantries across the state, ensuring that youth in afterschool programs and seniors always had healthy meals available.
Additionally, Jane shared her knowledge with agencies such as the Grant Makers Council of Rhode Island and others who sought her expertise. We thank her for her careful stewardship of Ocean State Charities Trust and wish her well in her retirement.
Diana Mello, Jane’s worthy second in command, announced her retirement as well. Diana was the glue behind the scenes, holding together the agency’s administrative functions and providing daily support to non-profit leaders and grant writers. We thank Diana for her exemplary service to the organization.
OSCT’s Trustees commend Jane and Diana for their incredible teamwork and dedication to community service. Both of you will be missed. According to Board of Trustees Chairperson, Scott Avedisian, “Jane dedicated herself to nurturing Rhode Island’s network of non-profit agencies, and we were lucky to have Diana supporting her in that work. We look forward to honoring their legacy and commitment under new leadership.
The Ocean State Charities Trust Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Marisa A. Albanese as Interim Executive Director of OSCT, effective January 13, 2025. Marisa joins the agency with a wealth of experience in community building and grantmaking throughout her career at Rhode Island Energy and its predecessor companies, as well as her roles as Director of Development and Communications and Interim CEO at Red Cross of Rhode Island. She is well known in the non-profit community for her dedication to organizations with youth-centered missions. Marisa has received a Jefferson Award for Public Service and was named to the Junior League of RI’s “The Rhode Island 100” list of outstanding women. Join us in welcoming Marisa to Ocean State Charities Trust.