Senior Leadership

Cindy Owens is the President and CEO at UCP Heartland. With over 25 years of leadership experience in strategic innovation, operational excellence, and building mission-driven cultures, she brings a wealth of knowledge in transformative leadership and organizational growth to the agency.

She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration, with additional studies at Harvard. Her experience includes serving as the CEO of the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas and the American Lung Association of New York. She also co-founded The Rooted Sisters, expanding it into a national Christian women’s leadership network. A recognized community leader, Cindy has served on multiple boards.

Lori Burch is the Chief Operating/Financial Officer at UCP Heartland. She oversees the agency’s operations, ensuring the organization runs smoothly in support of its mission to serve individuals with disabilities. With more than 20 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, compliance, and strategic transformation, she provides a deep understanding of financial strategy, compliance, and operational excellence.

Lori holds a master’s degree in Forensic Accounting from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from McKendree University. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Illinois.

Michael Bates is the Vice President of Human Resources at UCP Heartland, leading the agency’s HR strategy, employee engagement, and talent initiatives. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit, healthcare, education, and corporate environments, he brings a proven track record of aligning people practices with organizational purpose.

He holds a B.S. in Human Resource Management from Lindenwood University and is certified as both a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Michael is an active member of SHRM and the SHRM of Greater St. Louis chapter.

She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and serves as Fundraising Chair for Black Applied Behavior Analysts (BABA). ShiQuita’s passion for equity and global impact led her to Nigeria through the Global Autism Project, where she trained educators and providers in culturally responsive ABA strategies.

Tanya’ McGee is the Vice President of Community Living at UCP Heartland, leading the agency’s strategic vision for Community Living programs. With over 33 years of experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) field, she is highly knowledgeable across all functions and ensures the delivery of high-quality, person-centered services while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and team development.

She studied Deaf Communications and Psychology at Lewis & Clark Community College and is an active member of Starling Missouri, ANCOR, and SLAPP.

Cassie is the Vice President of Community and Employment Services, leading the agency’s strategic vision for the Adult Day and Employment Resources programs. With almost 10 years of experience working with children and adults with differing abilities, she started her career overseeing a conductive education camp for children with cerebral palsy and has become well-acquainted with all aspects of person-driven, community-based services.

She holds a master’s degree in psychology, is WIP certified, has achieved ACRE credentialing, and is a member of APSE, MRA, ANCOR, and Starling.