Mental Health Board Names First Executive Director

The Sangamon County Mental Health Board has selected Springfield native Dr. Tatyana Y. Gardner as its first executive director following a search that attracted 11 applicants. Gardner will begin her new role on October 12, 2026.

Gardner currently serves as director of health initiatives for the Springfield Urban League, where she oversees community health programs, grant-funded initiatives, budgets and partnerships. During her tenure, she has helped expand the organization's health initiatives while developing systems for fiscal oversight, performance measurement and program evaluation.

"This was an incredibly strong pool of candidates. We are grateful to everyone who expressed an interest in helping build this new organization," said Steve Nardulli, chairman of the Sangamon County Mental Health Board.

Nardulli said Gardner's professional experience, community connections and understanding of the circumstances surrounding the board's creation contributed to her selection. He noted that Gardner had studied the Massey Commission report, the Mental Health Commission's recommendations and the needs that led to the board's establishment.

A lifelong Springfield resident who grew up on the city's east side, Gardner has developed relationships with community organizations, health care providers, public agencies and residents throughout Sangamon County.

She earned her Doctor of Public Health from Mercer University in 2026. She also holds a Master of Public Health from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the University of Missouri.

In her current position with the Springfield Urban League, Gardner oversees initiatives addressing behavioral health, substance use prevention, mobile health, maternal and child health, disease prevention and health coverage navigation. Her responsibilities include managing grants and budgets, overseeing program operations and working with community-based organizations.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the first executive director of the Sangamon County Mental Health Board," Gardner said. "This is an extraordinary opportunity to build a strong, accountable organization that listens to our community, invests public resources wisely and works collaboratively to improve behavioral health outcomes throughout Sangamon County."

Gardner also serves as director of grants and program planning for the MeTime Foundation and is active in several professional and community organizations, including the American Public Health Association, Illinois Public Health Association and Illinois Prairie Diabetes Alliance.

Her appointment comes as the Mental Health Board continues establishing the administrative structure necessary to issue, administer, monitor and evaluate funding for mental health programs throughout Sangamon County.

The board also approved Anthony Schuering of Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP to provide legal counsel and authorized the continuation of its agreement with KIND Consulting, LLC to provide administrative and organizational support during Gardner's transition.

Nardulli said much of the board's initial work has focused on developing the systems needed to administer public funding and oversee mental health services.

"We are excited to have Dr. Gardner leading this next phase as we move from building the organization toward the important work of investing in services and strengthening the mental health system for the people of Sangamon County," Nardulli said.