Mental Health America Staff

David Shern, Ph.D., President and CEO

With more than 30 years of distinguished service in mental health services research and system reform, David L. Shern, Ph.D. is one of the nation's leading mental health experts. His work has spanned a variety of mental health services research topics including epidemiological studies of the need for community services; the effects of differing organizational, financing and service delivery strategies on continuity of care and client outcome and the use of alternative service delivery strategies such as peer counseling and self help on the outcomes of care.  He has authored more than 100 publications including papers in Health Affairs, Psychiatric Services, Medical Care, Health Services Research, Behavioral Health Services and Research and the American Journal of Public Health. more

Dianne Felton, Senior Vice President of Operations

Dianne has more than 25 years of senior and executive administrative and management experience in the consulting arena for both public and private industries. Her expertise in strategic planning, finance, human capital, communications, and contracts management enables MHA to run a smooth, efficient business. Dianne is also the primary point of contact for the 200+ local MHA affiliates across the country and provides leadership for the field.

Julie Nicholson Burke, Vice President of Finance and Human Resources

Julie oversees the financial management and human resources functions of the organization, managing the annual audit and the budget process.  Julie has created curriculum regarding financial management and gives trainings on these subjects. She is also a resource for up-start non-profits and MHA affiliates on financial, human resources and board-related topics.

Mike Turner, Vice President of Development

Mike has been a nonprofit fundraiser since 1997.  Most recently, he worekd as the Chief of Congressional Affairs at the Wounded Warrior Project in Washington, DC. Mike retired as a colonel from the United States Air Force in 1997 where he served for 24 years as a command fighter pilot and air rescue helicopter pilot.  He is a Desert Storm veteran.  Additionally, Mike was a national military commentator for CNN, NPR, and Newsweek.com in 2003-2004. 

Julio Abreu, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy

Julio works closely with the Senate, House of Representatives and the Administration on mental health policy issues. Aside from his extensive work and knowledge of the legislative process, he has experience working with several of our federal agencies including work on regulations, conferences and grant activities. Julio has sat on the Board of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities and served as President of the Coalition for Health Funding and Co-Chair of the Mental Health Liaison Group. 

Erica Ahmed, MA, MS, Director of Public Education

As Direct of Public Education, Erica oversees outreach efforts with a strong focus on a public health-based approach.  Erica has over ten years of public health experience. She has conducted literature reviews serving as framework for documents such as needs assessments and reports.  Erica has developed guidelines and protocols for wellness interventions, provided support services regarding addiction recovery and services, and developed guidelines for prevention services. 

Patrick Hendry, Senior Director of Consumer Advocacy

Patrick has worked as a mental health advocate for the past eighteen years. His areas of expertise include organizational development, management and sustainability, self-directed care, recovery based trainings and peer run programs. In 1992 he founded the first peer-run organization in Florida to contract directly with the State for the provision of services and has, since that time, assisted with the development of numerous peer-run programs. He is a strong supporter of the inclusion of mental health consumers in all aspects of the mental health system.

Sarah Steverman, Director of State Policy

Sarah coordinates the efforts of the Regional Policy Council, a ten person council of state affiliate policy leaders. Sarah also provides technical assistance to state and local mental health advocates, participates in national mental health coalitions, and develops and disseminates policy information for the general public and MHA's 300 affiliates Sarah has also worked with adults with mental health conditions.  Sarah is a resource to affiliates and advocates on Medicaid and state mental health caucuses. 

Steve Vetzner, Senior Director of Media Relations

Steve develops and implements media outreach strategies for the MHA's positions, programs and priorities. He prepares and distributes press releases, backgrounders, online press room content and editorials. Prior to joining MHA, he worked as a Congressional press secretary, directing all communications activities of the office and campaigns, serving as principal spokesperson, developing public affairs programs in support of legislative and policy initiatives and authoring speeches, op-eds, and talking points.

Joseph N. de Raismes III, JD, Pro Bono General Counsel

A former Board member who is nearly unrivaled in his dedication to the organization, Joseph  has been involved with mental health issues as a litigator for the ACLU and the state, as a mental health center board member for over 20 years, as a member of the Colorado Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council for 12 years (6 as Chair) as a founder and member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Mental Health Planning and Advisory Councils for 9 years (6 as Chair), and as a member of the MHA Policy Committee for the past 8 years.

Other Staff