December 4, 2024
Spartanburg, SC – Mental Health America of Spartanburg County (MHA-Spartanburg) is excited to announce Alane Swain as its new Executive Director. With her extensive experience in healthcare leadership and a steadfast commitment to mental health advocacy, Alane will guide MHA-Spartanburg into a future of continued impact and growth.
“We are looking forward to Alane’s leadership and her expertise in planning educational events is especially important to our mission of educating on mental health wellness and issues,” said Susan Lea, Advisory Board Chair of MHA-Spartanburg. “We are grateful for Maggie’s continued dedication to serve with MHA Spartanburg on our Advisory Board.”
Dr. Maggie Gainey, who has served as Interim Executive Director with great dedication, will continue to support the organization as a valued member of the Advisory Board, where her expertise and vision will remain an invaluable asset to the organization.
Alane expressed her gratitude for her new role, saying:
“In this holiday season, I already had much to be thankful for, but I am so excited to be moving into this position with Mental Health America of Spartanburg County. I want to thank Dr. Gainey for her leadership and her kindness to me, and to the organization. She is a legend, to be frank, and I’m thankful that she will continue to serve on the Advisory Board. Her continued direction and expertise will be vital to Mental Health America of Spartanburg County and our future efforts.
I’d also like to thank Susan Lea, Cathy McCabe, and the rest of the Advisory Board for the trust and faith they have put into my appointment as Executive Director. I have much to learn, but I know there is a great, capable team to help with my transition. I hope to serve our clinicians, community, and Friends well.”
Alane is from Ohio, where her parents and older brother continue to reside. She earned a nursing degree before commissioning into the United States Air Force. Over a decade of active duty, she held roles in Inpatient and Outpatient Medical Surgical Nursing and served as Group Executive Officer for a hospital supporting 1,600 service members and more than 427,000 beneficiaries. She later trained as a perioperative nurse, a role she continues to maintain as a reservist.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Alane excelled in leadership, serving as Squadron Director of Operations and Flight Commander of a Women’s Health Clinic, where she directed 30 staff members in providing care for 9,000 patients annually. Her passion for training healthcare professionals led her to become certified in seven Air Force and Defense Health Agency courses, where she helped advance the goal of Zero Harm for over 1,000 professionals.
Her transition to the civilian sector as a Professional Development Specialist allowed her to facilitate orientation and ongoing education for thousands of healthcare professionals annually. This role introduced her to MHA-Spartanburg and its compassionate, driven mission to improve mental health care in the community.
Alane and her family reside in Spartanburg County, where they manage a 28-acre tree farm. She also dedicates her time to local veterans’ organizations and community efforts.
MHA-Spartanburg looks forward to Alane’s leadership and expertise as the organization continues its mission of providing education, advocacy, and resources to enhance mental health in Spartanburg County.
About Mental Health America of Spartanburg County
Mental Health America of Spartanburg County is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being through education, advocacy, and services. The organization works tirelessly to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and improve access to quality mental health care for all.