Heather Mantell
Exeter
Summary
Seasoned Director with background in strategic planning, team leadership, and performance optimization. Known for driving company growth by developing efficient operational strategies and fostering professional relationships. Demonstrated abilities in problem solving, decision making, and communication skills to influence key stakeholders. Proven record of delivering innovative solutions and achieving organizational goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Family and Community Services
Incompass Human Services
10.2021 - Current
- Provide leadership for a diverse portfolio of family, community, and disability services, ensuring high-quality, person-centered care across programs.
- Supervise and develop program leaders and multidisciplinary teams delivering services to children and adults with disabilities.
- Lead strategic planning efforts to expand services, improve outcomes, and align programs with organizational priorities and community needs.
- Oversee program budgets, resource allocation, and financial performance, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding requirements.
- Strengthen policies, procedures, and program infrastructure to enhance consistency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Partner with state agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to improve service coordination and expand program reach.
- Utilize data and performance metrics to evaluate outcomes, inform decision-making, and support continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Advocate at local and state levels for policies that promote inclusion, family stability, and community-based supports.
Employer Liaison
Riverside Community Care
06.2014 - 10.2021
- Led regional workforce development initiatives to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Established and facilitated regional Employment Collaboratives, aligning providers, state agencies, and employers.
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives to strengthen competitive, integrated employment outcomes.
- Cultivated and maintained partnerships with business leaders, industry associations, and community stakeholders.
- Delivered presentations and training to employers and organizations on inclusive hiring practices.
- Created pipelines for job placement and career advancement through relationship-building and targeted outreach.
START Hospitality Coordinator
Great Bay Community College
10.2013 - 06.2014
- Directed a college-based workforce development program supporting individuals with disabilities in hospitality careers.
- Designed and implemented curriculum aligned with accreditation standards and workforce needs.
- Managed program operations, budget, reporting, and compliance requirements.
- Built partnerships with employers to create internships, job placements, and career pathways.
- Supervised students and monitored progress through data tracking, reporting, and performance evaluation.
- Collaborated with stakeholders including NH Vocational Rehabilitation and community agencies.
Community Living Manager
Living Innovations
09.2009 - 10.2013
- Managed residential and day services for 18 adults with developmental disabilities, ensuring quality care across multiple locations.
- Supervised, coached, and developed a team of 22 direct support professionals.
- Directed program operations, overseeing staffing, budgeting, compliance, and service planning to enhance service delivery.
- Led Individual Service Plan (ISP) meetings and ensured person-centered program delivery.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with state agencies and regional service providers to improve resource access and collaboration.
- Oversaw certification and compliance of foster care homes in accordance with state regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Maine
Orono, ME05-1997
Skills
- Person-Centered Service Design
- Community engagement
- Program Portfolio Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Program Evaluation
- Quality improvement
- Budget management
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Workforce retention
- Team development
- DDS & Regulatory Compliance
Community Service
- Established partnerships with employers and community organizations to create sustainable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Active advocate for inclusive community practices and integrated service models.
Leadership Style
Collaborative and mission-driven leader who builds strong, accountable teams by fostering trust, open communication, and professional growth while maintaining a clear focus on outcomes and service excellence.
Core Leadership Competencies
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Program Portfolio Leadership
- DDS & Regulatory Compliance
- Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
- Budget Development & Fiscal Management
- Team Leadership & Organizational Development
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Person-Centered Service Design
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Workforce Development & Retention
Timeline
Director of Family and Community Services
Incompass Human Services
10.2021 - Current
Employer Liaison
Riverside Community Care
06.2014 - 10.2021
START Hospitality Coordinator
Great Bay Community College
10.2013 - 06.2014
Community Living Manager
Living Innovations
09.2009 - 10.2013
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Maine