August 01, 2025

Through Transformative Leadership in Mental Health Advocacy Julie Ann Avin Has Helped Mirci Become One of the State’s Most Respected Mental Health Organizations

The Board of Directors of the Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (Mirci) proudly announces the upcoming retirement of Julie Ann Avin, who has served the organization and the greater Midlands community with compassion, clear vision, and unwavering dedication since 1991. Her retirement will be effective December 31, 2025.

Julie Ann began her journey with MIRCI over 30 years ago, stepping into a leadership role that would ultimately reshape the organization and elevate its impact statewide. Under her guidance, Mirci expanded its reach to provide critical mental health and supportive housing services to individuals facing serious mental illness and homelessness. Her leadership has helped transform Mirci from a small grassroots initiative into one of South Carolina’s most respected nonprofit mental health organizations.

Throughout her career, Julie Ann has been the driving force behind countless programs focused on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, promoting housing as healthcare, and advancing policy reform. Her tireless advocacy and deep empathy have touched thousands of lives.

Julie Ann’s excellence and dedication have been recognized both locally and nationally, having received a number of awards that include: Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) Lifetime Service Award, SC Biz News, Icons and Phenoms Award, South Carolina Order of the Palmetto, and Girl Scouts Women of Distinction. These honors reflect not only her strategic acumen but also her personal commitment to creating a more compassionate and equitable system of care.

“Her leadership will be legendary,” said Lucy Easler, PhD., board chair of Mirci. “Not only did she lead Mirci through tremendous growth during a tumultuous span of time, she also created strong support and better resources for some of our most vulnerable citizens. Julie Ann’s leadership has created positive social change and has impacted many individuals, their families, and our communities. She has changed the trajectory of countless lives and helped bring mental health to the forefront of public discourse in South Carolina.”
A public celebration in honor of her service and legacy will be held the end of 2025.

Please join Mirci in expressing deep gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Julie Ann Avin for her decades of visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to mental health recovery and dignity for all.