Advocate Mary Neubauer Selected as Interim Executive Director of NAMI Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – The NAMI Iowa Board of Directors has selected one of the state’s leading mental health advocates to serve as the organization’s interim executive director.

 

Mary Neubauer of Clive began the interim role this week to help lead during a transitionary period at the Iowa chapter of the largest U.S. grassroots mental health organization.

 

Neubauer said she agreed to help lead NAMI Iowa on a temporary basis because the issue of mental health matters so much to her and the need for change is so great.

 

“Our family was directly impacted by the lack of mental health supports in Iowa for our son when he was in crisis,” Neubauer said. “I remember how terrifying and frustrating that was. NAMI Iowa has been instrumental in efforts to do better for our loved ones who need help – and there are families facing that situation every day.”

 

Neubauer, 58, retired in June 2025 after a career in communications, including 26 years as the spokesperson for the Iowa Lottery. Tragedy took her well-known voice in a new direction in 2017.  

 

When their 18-year-old son, Sergei, died that year by suicide, Neubauer and her husband, Larry Loss, told the teen’s story in a touching obituary that went viral and became a spark for change.

 

His parents have continued since then to advocate for improvement in mental healthcare.

 

Among her community advocacy roles: Neubauer served on the NAMI Iowa Board for six years, including a year as its president. She also was appointed to multiple terms on the citizen board that oversaw the state Children’s Behavioral Health System.

 

Ryan Crane, who had been NAMI Iowa executive director since 2023, has chosen to leave the role. The NAMI Iowa Board thanks Crane for his efforts, including leadership during development of a statewide disaster relief program providing crisis debriefings following flooding in northwest Iowa and a destructive tornado in southwest Iowa in 2024.

 

“We wish Ryan the very best in his new chapter,” said Aaron McHone of Fort Dodge, a health care administrator who serves as president of the NAMI Iowa Board. “We are proud to work with Mary to help set the course through a pivotal time for our organization and the larger conversation in our state about the importance of mental health.”

 

McHone said that the NAMI Iowa Board will conduct a comprehensive search in the coming months for a permanent executive director. He thanked the organization’s staff for their crucial work in continuing to support NAMI Iowa’s mission of awareness, education, and connection for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

 

Neubauer said she is honored to work on behalf of the families and members of the organization.

 

“NAMI Iowa offers understanding to anyone concerned about mental health and the treatment of mental illness,” she said. “That work is vital to building toward a world where those affected by mental illness can experience hope, recovery and wellness.”      

 

NAMI Iowa amplifies the voices of people with lived experience with mental health conditions to reduce stigma and ensure that all Iowans have access to the support and treatment they deserve in an equitable and inclusive environment.