Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Hot air baloon rides on the Midland campus

Shawn McInerney

President / Chief Executive Officer

Read Shawn's Bio

Shawn joined Midland in 2015 as President and CEO.

Shawn began his career as a special education teacher at Hunterdon Developmental Center before moving over to the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Northern Region Community Services Office. During his 34 year career with DDD, Shawn held several key leadership positions, including Northern Regional Administrator. Shawn was the Assistant Director of DDD, responsible for state-wide oversight of agency operations, from 2004 to 2015.

Throughout his career, Shawn has received numerous awards and recognitions for his lifetime commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Shawn holds a Master’s of Science in Management from Thomas Edison State College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education with a teaching certification from Glassboro State College (Rowan University). He also spent 15 years volunteering on the Belvidere Board of Education, retiring in 2019 as Board President.

Gregg J. Sweetman

Chief Financial Officer

Read Gregg's Bio

Gregg began his tenure at Midland in 1994 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Prior to joining Midland, Gregg spent the first decade of his career working in the corporate sector. He worked for Wells Fargo as Supervisor of Internal Audit and later, Manager of Cash & Financial Analysis.

Gregg holds a B.S. from Montclair State University, a NJ School Business Administrators certificate, and is a NJ Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

William Liberatore

Director of Employment Services

Read Bill's Bio

William (Bill) joined Midland in 1996 as Work Centre Coordinator in the Employment Division. In 2017, he was promoted to Director of Employment Services.

Bill worked in the manufacturing/trucking industries for 20 years and also lived in England and taught students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an inclusive setting.

Bill holds a B.A. in History and Economics from Rutgers University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Jersey City University. He also has a Supervisory Certificate in Education from Rutgers University.

Jeanette Owens

School Principal

Read Jeanette's Bio

Jeanette joined Midland in 2024 as The Midland School Principal.

With more than 20 years of experience in education, Jeanette previously served as the Principal of the Lord Stirling School and Supervisor of Education at the Lakeview School in Edison, NJ.

Jeanette holds BA and MA degrees from Rutgers University. She also attended the University of Phoenix and completed her Principal Certification through NJ EXCEL.

Natalie Swiatek

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Read Natalie's Bio

Natalie is Midland’s Chief Operations Officer (COO). She joined Midland in 2017.

With more than 30 years of experience in the human services field, Natalie has worked in the public and private sectors in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining Midland, Natalie spent 17 years in leadership roles at both the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

Natalie holds a B.A. in Sociology with a Human Services emphasis from Drew University and a Master’s of Social Work from the Rutgers University.

She is a member of the Alpha Delta Mu Social Work Honors Society and was a CARF surveyor from 2019-2023. From 2016 to 2018, Natalie served as a Board Member for CenterPath Wellness (now an affiliate of Easter Seals).

Stacey Gravina

Director of Residential Services

Read Stacey's Bio

Stacey joined Midland in 2007 as Midland’s Adult Services (MAS) Residential Program Director.

Prior to her tenure at Midland, Stacey spent 14 years working at Chimes, Inc. in Maryland working with adults with development disabilities. She spent 12 years in their Residential Services program starting as a Case Manager and advancing to Deputy Director before being promoted to Day Habilitation Director.

Stacey holds a B.A. in Psychology from Western Maryland College.

Gail Russell - Director of Development

Gail Russell

Director of Development

Read Gail's Bio

Gail joined Midland in 2005 as The Midland Foundation’s Director of Development.

With 25 years of fundraising experience, Gail has worked at a variety of nonprofit organizations including independent schools and a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed boys. Prior to making a transition to the nonprofit sector, Gail practiced law for 7 years.

Gail holds a B.A. in Psychology from George Washington University and Juris Doctor from Emory University Law School of Law.

Jim Peterson

James Petersen

Director of Human Resources

Read James' Bio

James joined Midland in 2018 as Manager of Human Resources.

Prior to coming to Midland, James has held various roles in Human Resources at several corporations, including NJ Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association in Basking Ridge, EMD Performance Materials in Branchburg, Parsons Inspection & Maintenance Corporation in Lawrenceville, Baker & Taylor in Bridgewater and the Township of West Windsor, NJ.

James graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. in Labor and Employment Relations with concentrations in Diversity in the Workplace; Law and the Workplace; Labor Unions and Social Movement; and Work Organization and Management.