Q&A With Vice President for Operations Luiz DaCosta

Luiz DaCosta was named Catholic Charities Boston’s Vice President for Operations in July 2026, after previously serving as the agency’s Senior Director for Operations. In this role, DaCosta works closely with Chief Operating Officer Jamie Ewing to advance Catholic Charities’ operational priorities, bringing focused, day-to-day leadership to the systems that help over 450 employees deliver comprehensive and compassionate care to thousands of clients across 20+ locations in Eastern Massachusetts.

Charged with leading organization-wide efforts to strengthen infrastructure, technology, facilities management, procurement, and safety, DaCosta’s focus is fostering a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement in support of the agency’s broader mission.

DaCosta, who joined Catholic Charities in 2024, shared more about these efforts, his vision for operations, and himself below.

When did you start working at Catholic Charities and what was your role?

I joined Catholic Charities Boston in March 2024 as the Senior Director of Operations. From day one, my focus has been on building strong operational systems that empower our teams to better serve our communities. Operations may happen behind the scenes, but when it’s done well, it creates an environment where our staff can focus on what matters most, changing lives.

How have the operational needs of the agency evolved during your time here?

One thing I’ve learned is that as the needs of our clients continue to grow, our operations have to evolve just as quickly. We’ve shifted from simply responding to issues to building systems that are more proactive, standardized, and data-driven.

Our focus has been on strengthening facilities, improving technology, enhancing security, standardizing processes, and creating better communication across our locations. Every improvement is ultimately about creating a better experience for both our employees and the people we serve.

What is one memory or project from your time at Catholic Charities that has stayed with you?

One project that stands out is seeing our facilities team continue to grow into a truly collaborative operation.

Watching people step into new leadership roles, building confidence, solving problems together, and creating systems that will benefit the organization for years to come has been incredibly rewarding. Those moments remind me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about developing people and creating an environment where they can succeed.

How does your life experiences and immigrant journey inform and inspire who you are today?

My immigrant journey has taught me that your circumstances don’t define your future. Your mindset, your actions, and your commitment to growth do.

Coming to the United States from Brazil meant starting over. There were obstacles, uncertainty, and moments when the path forward wasn’t clear. But those experiences became my greatest teachers. They taught me resilience, grit, gratitude, and the importance of taking ownership of my life rather than waiting for opportunities to come to me.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Every challenge I’ve faced has pushed me to become a better leader, a better husband and father, and a better professional. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” I’ve learned to ask, “What is this teaching me?” That mindset has transformed setbacks into stepping stones.

Today, I lead with a deep sense of purpose. I believe leadership is about creating opportunities for others, building systems that allow people to thrive, and leaving every organization better than I found it. My goal isn’t simply to achieve success; it’s to create significance by serving others, developing people, and making a lasting impact.

My immigrant journey also reminds me to never become complacent. Every opportunity is a privilege, every challenge is an invitation to grow, and every day is another chance to become a better version of myself. If my journey has taught me anything, it’s this: your past may shape you, but it never has to limit you.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, traveling the world, attending live concerts, staying active, and continuously learning. Those experiences help me stay grounded, broaden my perspective, and bring fresh ideas into both my personal and professional life.

I’m passionate about leadership, systems thinking, and personal growth, so you’ll often find me reading, listening to leadership podcasts, or participating in executive education programs. I believe that learning is one of the greatest investments we can make in ourselves.

What motivates me most is solving meaningful problems and building systems that create a lasting, positive impact. Whether it’s improving an organization, mentoring others, or developing new ideas, I enjoy leaving things better than I found them.

Above all, I believe growth is a lifelong journey. Every day is an opportunity to become a better leader, a better husband and father, and a better person. That’s the standard I strive to live by, both professionally and personally.