With over 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Dr. Mary Van Haneghan has devoted her career to advancing the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities, particularly those in underrepresented communities. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of Easterseals Lonestar, part of the Fedcap Group, where she leads efforts to provide transformative services to thousands of Texans with disabilities and veterans across 90% of the state.
Before joining Easterseals Lonestar, Dr. Van Haneghan served as the Executive Director of the Williams Syndrome Association (WSA), the foremost national resource for individuals and families affected by Williams syndrome. At WSA, she spearheaded the modernization of national infrastructure projects and led cutting-edge research initiatives both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Van Haneghan’s career also includes significant leadership roles as the CEO of multiple chapters of The Arc, the nation’s largest organization advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). During this time, she spearheaded critical advancements in healthcare delivery and led the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while also playing a pivotal role in shaping policy changes within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Her commitment to systemic change extends to her early work with one of New York’s largest health and human services nonprofits, where she was instrumental in developing transformative service delivery models and driving statewide regulatory reforms.
Dr. Van Haneghan earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Buffalo, a master’s degree in adult education and literacy from Buffalo State College, and a doctorate in education from Walden University. Her academic research has focused on I/DD, exploring historical institutional models and the impact of post-secondary education on individuals with I/DD.
Dr. Van Haneghan is a respected leader and advocate who has served on various boards, committees, and as an adjunct professor. She has contributed to key discussions on healthcare, disabilities and mental health at local, national, and international levels. Her work has earned recognition for her significant impact on advancing the rights and well-being of individuals with I/DD and their families.
