Sangamon County Mental Health Board Appoints Tatyana Gardner as First Executive Director

The Sangamon County Mental Health Board has appointed Tatyana Y. Gardner, DrPH, MPH, CHES ®, as its first executive director. Gardner is a Springfield native and currently serves as Director of Health Initiatives at the Springfield Urban League, where she has successfully expanded the organization’s community health programs, grants, and partnerships.

Gardner was chosen from a competitive pool of 11 applicants. Steve Nardulli, Chair of the SCMHB, highlighted her professional background and commitment to the community, noting her familiarity with the Massey Commission report and the Mental Health Commission’s recommendations. According to Nardulli, Gardner's insight into the community's needs demonstrates the opportunity to create a lasting positive impact in Sangamon County.

Growing up on Springfield’s east side, Gardner has established connections with local organizations, healthcare providers, and residents. She holds a Doctor of Public Health from Mercer University, where she also earned a Master’s in Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the University of Missouri.

In her role at the Springfield Urban League, Gardner leads initiatives targeting behavioral health, substance use prevention, mobile health, and maternal and child health, among others. She manages grants, partnerships, and budgets while supporting community-based organizations.

Gardner expressed her honor in taking on the role, emphasizing her commitment to building a responsive organization that wisely allocates public resources to improve behavioral health outcomes. She noted her focus on data-driven grant administration and program development.

In addition to her new position, Gardner is involved with multiple organizations, including MeTime Foundation and several public health associations. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the SCMHB as it builds its organizational structure to carry out its mission.

The board has also appointed Anthony Schuering of Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP as legal counsel and confirmed an ongoing agreement with KIND Consulting, LLC for administrative support during Gardner’s transition period. Nardulli stated that hiring Gardner is a key step forward as the board shifts from organization-building to enhancing mental health services for Sangamon County.

Gardner will officially start her role on October 12, 2026.