Mental Health America Staff

Wayne W. Lindstrom, Ph.D., President and CEO

Dr. Wayne Lindstrom, a behavioral health executive with more than 40 years of experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit fields was named president and CEO of Mental Health America in 2012. Dr. Lindstrom previously served as chief executive officer of Crossroads, a comprehensive community-based behavioral health care organization serving children, youth and families in Mentor, Ohio. Prior to his work with Crossroads, Lindstrom founded and was president of SocioTech, an organizational consulting firm that specialized in transforming and enhancing the performance of not-for-profit organizations. Earlier in his career, he was responsible for managing public and private behavioral health managed care programs for United Health Care and a variety of other health care plans, and directing Ohio's single state authority for alcoholism and drug use prevention and treatment services. During his service in the United States Air Force, Dr. Lindstrom planned, implemented and directed an outpatient drug treatment program for Vietnam-era active duty personnel and their families. He holds a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University and a Master in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He received his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University.

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 the primary point of contact for the 240 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 worked 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 Director 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. 

Trish Enright, Director of Community Outreach & Partnerships

Since 2006, Trish has been dedicated to the mental health field as her life-passion and second career. With extensive professional and volunteer experience with several of MHA's mental health sister-organizations, Trish is sensitive to the needs of MHA's community and completed certification as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor in March 2013. Accomplished at instructional design and delivery, Trish has created and taught government and nonprofit classes that received rave reviews from federal officials, nonprofit Board members and volunteers. She is a Duke University graduate, was a member of the Junior League in her youth, and is a former volunteer Docent for the Corcoran Gallery of Art. In her spare time, she currently volunteers with the INOVA hospital system and cooks pizzas with her husband Terrance in a home-made brick oven in their Alexandria backyard.   

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.

Debbie Plotnick, Senior Director of State Policy

Debbie works with affiliates and state and local advocates on Medicaid, health reform, and state mental health programs and policies. She also coordinates the efforts of the Regional Policy Council, a ten person council of state affiliate policy leaders. Debbie also provides technical assistance to mental health advocates, participates in national mental health coalitions, and develops and disseminates policy information for affiliates, stakeholders, decision makers and the general public. She can also speak about community inclusion, evidence-based practices, and her own experiences with mental health challenges and as a family member. 

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