Lydia McCoy is a dedicated and results-driven leader with a career spanning over two decades in strategic program development, community outreach, and executive management. As the Executive Director of Senior Services for the City of Watertown, she plays a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of the city’s senior population. With a strong commitment to fostering partnerships and broadening access to essential services, Lydia has been instrumental in strengthening the reach and impact of Watertown’s senior programs, including the Watertown Council on Aging, the Watertown Senior Center, and The Watertown Food Pantry. Her expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic fundraising, and media communication ensures that the department remains at the forefront of advocacy and service delivery for elderly residents.
Prior to her current role, Lydia served as the Manager of Strategy and Development at the Providence Housing Authority (PHA), where she spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for public housing residents. Her leadership in securing funding opportunities, developing strategic plans, and engaging with resident leaders helped drive transformative programs that addressed the diverse needs of the community. She played a key role in identifying and applying for national awards, earning three prestigious recognitions for the agency. Her oversight of project management, digital engagement, and board governance further solidified PHA’s position as a leader in public housing innovation.
Lydia’s extensive experience in the nonprofit and public sectors is marked by a commitment to social impact. As the Program Manager for Metro Housing | Boston, she was responsible for developing and implementing the Medicaid and MassHealth ACO SSO Flexible Services Program, which connected clinically complex Medicaid members to housing support services. Additionally, she managed the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, ensuring vulnerable populations had access to essential housing resources. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic facilitated the seamless transition of in-person services to a fully remote model, demonstrating her adaptability and forward-thinking approach to program administration.
Before joining Metro Housing, Lydia served as the Senior Care Options Program Manager at Boston Senior Home Care, overseeing geriatric support services and managing the One Care program for the Commonwealth Care Alliance. Her work in elder care reinforced her deep understanding of the healthcare system and the critical intersection between health and housing services for seniors. She collaborated with various agencies and community organizations to expand services and improve care coordination for homebound individuals.
Earlier in her career, Lydia held leadership roles at the Executive Office of Elder Affairs: Elder Protective Services Program at North Shore Elder Services, where she managed protective service staff and worked closely with law enforcement, legal teams, and policy makers to develop strategic responses to elder abuse cases. Her expertise in victim advocacy, crisis management, and state-level policy development helped drive meaningful changes in protective services.
Her passion for program development was further demonstrated during her tenure as Director of Programs at TakeFlight INC, where she established community-based initiatives focused on college and career readiness for youth. She was responsible for recruiting, training, and mentoring faculty while developing measurable outcomes to assess program success. Her ability to build strong relationships with municipal agencies, community leaders, and education stakeholders helped TakeFlight INC expand its reach and impact.
Lydia began her career as the Youth Program Director at the Boston Center for Youth and Families, where she developed and implemented innovative youth initiatives in collaboration with schools, nonprofits, and businesses. Her early experience also includes internships at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Massachusetts State House under Senator Edward M. Augustus, Jr., where she contributed to policy research and legislative initiatives, including efforts to divest Massachusetts’ pension plan from Sudanese ties.
Lydia holds a bachelor’s and political science from Emmanuel college in Boston and is a graduate of the Behavioral Health Certificate Program from the center of aging and disability education research CADAR at the Boston University school of social work BUSSW. Her extensive skill set includes strategic marketing, business development, grant writing, performance metrics, and executive leadership. With a deep commitment to community engagement and an unwavering dedication to serving vulnerable populations, Lydia McCoy continues to be a driving force in public service and social impact.
Character: Lydia McCoy is a dedicated and compassionate leader committed to improving the lives of seniors and underserved communities through advocacy and service.
Knowledge: With extensive expertise in public housing, senior services, healthcare programs, and nonprofit leadership, she excels in developing impactful community initiatives.
Strategic: She is a visionary strategist who leverages partnerships, funding opportunities, and program development to drive sustainable, long-term solutions for community well-being.
Communication: An adept communicator, Lydia effectively engages stakeholders, manages media outreach, and fosters collaboration to amplify awareness and support for critical social programs.
