Senior Leadership

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.

Greg 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 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.

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.

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.