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Mental Health America of South Carolina (MHASC) has proudly served the state of South Carolina since 1954 as a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization.
Mental Health America of South Carolina (MHASC) has proudly served the state of South Carolina since 1954 as a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization.
David Burleson was named Executive Director of Mental Health America of South Carolina in 2026
David Burleson was named Executive Director of Mental Health America of South Carolina in 2026
With over 16 years of leadership experience in the mental health and substance use fields, David has led strategic growth initiatives that expanded programming, increased annual revenue, and strengthened community partnerships.
Previously, he served as a Regional Director at Recovery Centers of America, as well as Springbrook Behavioral Health System. He has served as a board member of Mental Health America of Greenville County as well as the Autism Family Education Fund.
Additionally, David was nominated and served on Aetna’s National Provider Advisory Board for Mental Health.
Known for collaborative leadership and data-driven strategy, David prioritizes equity, innovation, and sustainable impact. Outside work, he enjoys traveling with his wife and three children.
2025-26 Board of Directors
2025-26 Board of Directors
o Erika Jensen, Chair
o Stuart Shields, Vice-Chair
o Mary Rawls, Treasurer
o Kim Gilmore, Secretary
o Lee Ann Alexander
o Chris Allen
o Paul Bishop
o Ashley Page Bookhart
o Amy Lee Caimano
o Angela Carroll
o Demetria Chestnut
o Jessica Davis
o Ben Fuller
o Veronique Gilmore
o Cynthia Krell
o George Mavroftas
o Theresa McDaniel
o Michele Myers
o Jasmine Shepard
o Luanne Vinson
Our Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Plan
Our History
Our History
Founded in 1954, the first two programs of MHASC were Operation Santa and Spring Showers.
Founded in 1954, the first two programs of MHASC were Operation Santa and Spring Showers.
During “Operation Santa”, MHASC made sure that all patients in the state hospital received at least one gift at the annual Christmas party hosted by MHASC.
During “Operation Santa”, MHASC made sure that all patients in the state hospital received at least one gift at the annual Christmas party hosted by MHASC.
Today, MHASC continues this wonderful tradition, even as people have moved away from state facilities and now reside in local communities across the state.
Today, MHASC continues this wonderful tradition, even as people have moved away from state facilities and now reside in local communities across the state.
Spring Showers started in 1959 and continuing until 1990, this annual spring fling was held in the month of May on the State Hospital grounds on Bull Street in Columbia.
Spring Showers started in 1959 and continuing until 1990, this annual spring fling was held in the month of May on the State Hospital grounds on Bull Street in Columbia.
Historical Photos from the South Carolina State Hospital
Historical Photos from the South Carolina State Hospital
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