Senior Leadership

Lori Burch is the Chief Operating/Strategy 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 serves as 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.

Greg serves as the Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Development. He brings more than 25 years of experience in broadcasting, community relations, and healthcare philanthropy to UCP Heartland. In his role, he leads the organization’s marketing, communications, and development strategies, advancing efforts to strengthen UCP Heartland’s visibility, deepen donor and community engagement, and support sustainable growth for the life-changing programs we provide.

Greg studied at Saint Louis University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communications.

Tanya’ McGee is the Vice President of Client Experience at UCP Heartland, leading the agency’s growth initiative, strengthening our community presence, and ensuring a seamless and positive experience for all clients and their families. 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.

Her career spans corporate and nonprofit sectors, including roles in finance, HR, creative operations, and entrepreneurial event production for organizations such as the Institute of Black Imagination, LBMC WSquared, and DarioStudio, Inc. Keetra is highly skilled in streamlining processes and supporting mission-driven leadership to achieve organizational goals.

 Monica White is the Vice President of Community Living and brings extensive experience in human services, program leadership, and advocacy. Prior to joining the organization, she served as Deputy Director of Magdala House, where she led programs supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and helped more than 470 people secure permanent housing during her five-year tenure. Her background also includes roles in behavioral case management, legal system coordination for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and compliance and service leadership.

Richard has held numerous leadership and advisory roles, including serving as the Treasurer and Board Member for Missouri APSE on the Starling Board, and as Co-Chair of the Gateway Employment Nexus. He has also worked as a Job Developer and Mentor Training Instructor in the St. Louis region and served as an Adjunct Instructor at Maryville University, teaching a course focused on disability and employment.