Heartland Welcomes Interim Executive Director, Megan Devenport, MSW
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Heartland Mental Health, I’m sharing a leadership update. David Barnes has stepped down as Executive Director, and as of July 8, 2025, Megan Devenport, MSW, has stepped in as our Interim Executive Director.
Megan brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational change, and social work, and we’re confident in her ability to guide Heartland through this transition with clarity and care. The Board is committed to ensuring continuity in our partnerships, programs, and shared commitments to community mental health.
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community members, donors, and philanthropic partners.
With appreciation,
Deb Wangerin
Board Chair
Heartland Mental Health
Heartland Welcomes Megan to the Team
Megan Devenport, MSW is a nonprofit strategist and facilitator with deep experience leading mission-driven organizations through growth, transition, and change. She brings a systems-level perspective, equity-centered approach, and steady leadership to moments of complexity. Through her consulting practice, Megan helps organizations strengthen internal infrastructure and align operations with their values.
As Interim Executive Director at Heartland Mental Health, she is committed to whole-person care, collaborative leadership, and community-centered impact.
Message from Interim Executive Director
Dear Heartland Community,
I’m honored and excited to step into this interim leadership role at Heartland. For those who don’t know me, I served nine years on Heartland’s community board, including two terms as board chair. As a board member, I also participated in each of our executive transitions since 2018. My deep connection to this organization and our members grounds me in this moment as we navigate both challenge and opportunity.
Like so many nonprofits right now, Heartland is facing a tough financial landscape. The broader economic and political context poses a significant challenge for most organizations like ours, and Heartland has been dealt a few blows recently. A long-time funder did not renew support, Medicaid reimbursements are down, and without a second therapist for much of the past year, our billing is also down. That means consolidating services into our clinic building, tightening up our internal systems, and making sure every dollar goes toward high-quality care. I am consistently inspired by the commitment our staff shows for the people we serve. As they face difficult changes and sacrifice, I am also asking for your continued commitment. This next chapter for Heartland will require that same determination and support from all of us.
Even amidst these challenges, we have a great deal of hopeful news. We’ve hired a new medical biller to strengthen our systems and expand access by credentialing with additional Medicaid carriers. We’ve applied for funding to pilot mobile services that will bring clinical care and community-building directly to our partners. And we’ll soon be adding a new Program Manager to carry forward the incredible legacy of Margie Carlin, who we’ll be celebrating as she retires after decades of devoted service. We’re also thrilled about next month’s book release. Welcome to Heartland is an exciting way to tell our story, connect with new supporters, and invite others to join us in this work.
The truth is, Heartland has always been resilient - mostly because we've had to be. What has never wavered is the strength, creativity, and determination of our remarkable community. No one here is a stranger to adversity. This community knows how to survive, how to care for one another, and how to thrive even in hard times.
Now is the time to stand fast. To give, to volunteer, to spread the word. I am here because I know that together, we can ensure Heartland emerges stronger, ready to grow, and ready to continue being a place of recovery, hope, and belonging.
In community,
Megan Devenport, MSW
Interim Executive Director
megan@heartlandmh.org