Megan Gwaltney joined Meritan in May 2026 as the Vice President of Operations for the Foster Care program. She is a dynamic and results-driven leader with a proven track record of driving strategic growth, operational excellence and impactful program development, with a relentless commitment to driving systemic change. Megan Gwaltney is a mission-driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in social services and over 20 years of executive and leadership experience across the public and nonprofit sectors. She has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families through strategic leadership, systems collaboration, and innovative program development. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening services, building partnerships, and creating meaningful change for vulnerable populations. Megan holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Management, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and holds certifications in civil, family, and domestic violence mediation.

Throughout her career, Megan has developed extensive expertise in case management, program oversight, organizational leadership, community engagement, and systems-level collaboration. Much of her work has been centered on youth with dual system involvement, specifically children connected to both child welfare and juvenile justice systems. She has worked to bridge gaps in services, strengthen partnerships across systems of care, and advocate for approaches that create long-term positive outcomes for children and families.

Most recently, Megan served as Deputy Director of Justice Programs for Shelby County Government, where she provided executive oversight for multiple divisions serving youth and families, behavioral and mental health initiatives, victim services, and justice-related programming. Prior to that, she served as Executive Director of Juvenile Intervention and Faith-Based Follow-Up (JIFF), leading prevention and intervention efforts for youth involved in the juvenile justice system and expanding programs designed to support children and families facing significant challenges.

Known for her collaborative leadership style, Megan has successfully cultivated partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, philanthropic entities, and key stakeholders to drive mission-focused initiatives and sustainable impact. Her ability to bring people together around a shared vision has positioned her as a respected leader and advocate for systems change and child well-being.

Megan Gwaltney is a dynamic and results-driven leader with a proven track record of driving strategic growth, operational excellence and impactful program development, with a relentless commitment to driving systemic change. Megan Gwaltney is a mission-driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in social services and over 20 years of executive and leadership experience across the public and nonprofit sectors. She has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families through strategic leadership, systems collaboration, and innovative program development. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening services, building partnerships, and creating meaningful change for vulnerable populations. Megan holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Management, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and holds certifications in civil, family, and domestic violence mediation.

Throughout her career, Megan has developed extensive expertise in case management, program oversight, organizational leadership, community engagement, and systems-level collaboration. Much of her work has been centered on youth with dual system involvement, specifically children connected to both child welfare and juvenile justice systems. She has worked to bridge gaps in services, strengthen partnerships across systems of care, and advocate for approaches that create long-term positive outcomes for children and families.

Most recently, Megan served as Deputy Director of Justice Programs for Shelby County Government, where she provided executive oversight for multiple divisions serving youth and families, behavioral and mental health initiatives, victim services, and justice-related programming. Prior to that, she served as Executive Director of Juvenile Intervention and Faith-Based Follow-Up (JIFF), leading prevention and intervention efforts for youth involved in the juvenile justice system and expanding programs designed to support children and families facing significant challenges.

Known for her collaborative leadership style, Megan has successfully cultivated partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, philanthropic entities, and key stakeholders to drive mission-focused initiatives and sustainable impact. Her ability to bring people together around a shared vision has positioned her as a respected leader and advocate for systems change and child well-being.