Madison County Mental Health Board Names New Executive Director

EDWARDSVILLE —The Madison County Mental Health Board named a new Executive Director — selecting a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of experience in child and family welfare, trauma-informed care, and systems reform.

Amber Donnelly, Ed.S., will serve as the new executive director. She brings a specialized background in educational leadership, policy analysis and strategic planning to the organization.

Throughout her distinguished career, Donnelly championed trauma-informed care and systemic reform. She played a key role in developing critical community programs, including child abuse and neglect prevention initiatives and home visiting models.

Her expertise includes navigating the complexities of foster and adoptive care and building strong collaborations with organizations that support individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

“My goal is to bridge the gap between policy and the lived experiences of our residents,” Donnelly said. “With three decades of experience in the field, I’ve seen firsthand how strategic, trauma-informed planning can transform the trajectory of a family’s life.”

Donnelly’s commitment to the region is deeply personal. As the daughter of a service member formerly stationed at Scott Air Force Base, she developed a lifelong passion for high-quality care and support systems for military families.

Her roots in the community are further demonstrated through extensive volunteerism. She is a Lifetime Girl Scout and a dedicated volunteer and troop co-leader with the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, mentoring young women in leadership and service learning.

Donnelly also volunteers at the Collinsville Willoughby Heritage Farm and serves as a committed “cat doula” and foster for Partners for Pets.

In her role as executive director, Donnelly will oversee the board’s strategic vision, ensuring Madison County remains a leader in accessible and equitable mental health services. Her unique blend of academic rigor, executive strategy, and hands-on community advocacy supports a holistic approach to the board’s mission.

About the Madison County Mental Health Board: The Madison County Mental Health Board is responsible for the planning, coordination, and funding of mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services in Madison County, Illinois.