Leadership

Dr. Mary Van Haneghan - CEO

Dr. Mary Van Haneghan brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, dedicating her career to expanding opportunities and advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others facing barriers to independence.

Her career began in 1999 as a Direct Service Professional in an intermediate care facility for individuals with profound disabilities. That frontline experience gave her firsthand insight into the systemic barriers that can prevent true inclusion and sparked the passion that continues to guide her work today — ensuring every person has the opportunity to thrive in their community.

Motivated to drive broader change, Dr. Van Haneghan advanced into leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels with organizations such as The Arc and Easterseals. Over the past two decades, she has led initiatives in early intervention, workforce development, and the transition from youth to adulthood, as well as overseeing extensive donated goods and retail operations in multiple nonprofit organizations across the United States.

Dr. Van Haneghan holds degrees in business management and nonprofit leadership, along with a doctorate in education. Her academic research has focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), examining historical institutional models and the impact of post-secondary education on individuals with I/DD.