Dr. Mary Van Haneghan has two decades of nonprofit organizational management. Her academic research has ranged from historical institutional models to the benefits of post-secondary. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the Capital Area, a nonprofit organization, committed to empowering Central Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through compassionate case management and innovative programs.
Dr. Mary has been recognized for her accomplishments and contributions through her work on behalf of people who experience intellectual disabilities and their families at a national level. In 2015 Dr. Mary was the National Conference of Executives(NCE) of The Arc of the United States “Rising Star Award” recipient and in 2017 received the award for “Program Innovation”. Locally Dr. Mary was recognized as a finalist for Austin Under 40 in Nonprofit Service in 2017 and in 2018.
In addition to her work with Candlelight Ranch Dr. Mary is actively involved in the Austin community through serving on the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Capital Area Steering Committee, the Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Central Texas, Williamson County Institute for Excellence in Nonprofits, Preservation Austin, Divine Canines and One Voice Standards of Excellence Committee.