Heather McNeive, Housing Services

As Housing Services Director, Heather McNeive oversees efforts to address Johnson County’s housing needs for low-income and vulnerable households. This work is carried out by the Housing Services team, which delivers critical economic and housing sustainability services with dignity and respect.

McNeive helps with implementation of programs including the Housing Choice Voucher or “Section 8” rental assistance program, which serves the lowest-income and most vulnerable members of our community. Her department has made strides to expand access for households experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations through initiatives such as the Limited Homeless Preference and the Foster Youth to Independence voucher program, which supports young adults aging out of foster care.

In addition, the department’s home repair programs preserve the long-term affordability and quality of the community’s affordable housing stock. McNeive is proud of her team’s commitment to improving homeowners’ quality of life while ensuring these homes remain available to future generations.

“As a woman in public service, I strive to lead with integrity, self-reliance, and accountability. Throughout my career, I have been guided by exceptional female mentors who modeled professionalism, perseverance, and principled leadership. Their example has reinforced my commitment to advocating for low-income housing programs that are essential to the strength and stability of our community,” McNeive said.

Heather Schmidt, Public Works

In her current role as the Program Manager for the Stormwater Management Program, Heather Schmidt works with her team on the issues of flood risk and water quality in Johnson County. Her department develops programs and provides funding assistance to municipalities to implement sustainable approaches to address flood risk and improve water quality.

Schmidt began as the water quality specialist for the program. A large part of this role entailed education residents on what they could do to make environmentally sustainable decisions in their everyday lives — specifically, activities that could impact stormwater pollution. Then, as project manager in the program, she participated in a strategic planning process that opened up the program to nature-based solutions and green infrastructure. This led to a major project to complete watershed master plans for the entire county – for which Schmidt was the project manager. She is particularly proud of this work. as it laid the groundwork for advancing environmentally sustainable programs and projects through the program in the future.

Schmidt has worked in public service her entire career, starting with the U.S. Geological Survey where she learned data collection for streamflow and water quality that helped keep the public informed of flood risk and water quality conditions in their communities. That work continues through her current position as Stormwater Management works to reduce flood risk and improve water quality for residents.

“As a woman in the public sector, particularly in a science-based field, I am encouraged by the changes in representation I’ve seen over the years,” Schmidt said. “Early in my career, I was sometimes the only or one of a few women in the room, I’m encouraged by that not being the case as much anymore, and I’m excited to work with the next generation of women passionate about public service and the environment. “

Melissa Reeves, Wastewater

Community Relations Manager Melissa Reeves' role leading communications and community engagement for Johnson County Wastewater gives her a unique opportunity to tell stories to residents that connect clean water infrastructure to the public servants who provide these important services.

Reeves coordinates outreach with local schools, which helps team members educate students on Wastewater's role in public health and inspire the next generation of water sector leaders. Additionally, she manages the internship and job shadow program, manages it web content, social media pages and customer newsletter, and creates content that educates the community and celebrates team members. Reeves also leads internal communication for more than 200 employees.

A sanitary sewer utility may not traditionally be a place where women feel empowered to grow their careers, but to Reeves, that's what makes Johnson County Wastewater special. This is an agency with women leaders throughout, which includes its General Manager and Chief Engineer. Not only does Reeves get to fulfill her calling to be a public servant, but she gets to do it in an organization that allows her to be her whole self.

“I am fortunate to serve alongside some of the most brilliant, hard-working and impactful people I have ever met. This includes not only the amazing, awe-inspiring women I serve with, but everyone in my organization who celebrates our work, champions our ascension, and encourages us to take up space," Reeves said.

Shana Burgess and Liz Worth, Mental Health

Liz Worth and Shana Burgess with Johnson County Mental Health Center bring heart and strategy to the work of making mental health care more accessible, equitable and sustainable.

Worth, a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, serves as Deputy Director at the Mental Health Center, and Burgess, a Licensed Master Social Worker, serves as Director of Prevention and Community Relations. Between the two of them, their leadership centers dignity, access and long-term impact, especially for communities that have historically faced barriers to care.

With more than 23 years in community mental health, Worth brings a whole-health lens to leadership, grounded in both clinical experience and advocacy. Her leadership style is shaped by empathy, inclusion and relationship-building, paired with a strong drive to turn vision into action.

“Mental health care is strongest when it is rooted in community,” Worth said. “When we work together to reduce stigma and expand access, we build resilience that supports people across every stage of life.”

Burgess brings more than 20 years of experience strengthening individual and community health, with a particular focus on mental health and suicide prevention. In her role, she leads Prevention Services, Community Relations and Employee Experience teams, translating community needs into action through strategic communication and community mobilization.

"It's a privilege to support the people and partnerships that strengthen our community’s wellbeing. The work is both humbling and motivating, shaping my growth and deepening my commitment to serving those who show up each day for this shared purpose,” Burgess said.

Together, Worth and Burgess show how women’s leadership strengthens systems by centering relationships, equity and shared responsibility. Their work reflects a long-term commitment to building mental health supports that are not only effective, but trusted and accessible for all people — regardless of background, identity or circumstance.