Vision, Leadership, and a Heart for Service: Meet Megan Burkes, Executive Director of I Care San Antonio

At I Care San Antonio, restoring sight is just the beginning. Behind every pair of glasses, every surgical procedure, and every act of compassion stands a team fueled by purpose—and at the helm of that team is Megan Burkes, a dynamic leader with a clear vision for the future.

With nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, marketing, and fundraising, Megan brings a strategic, solution-focused mindset to everything she does. Now serving as Executive Director of I Care San Antonio, she is deeply committed to expanding the organization’s impact through strategic partnerships, innovative funding strategies, and increased outreach to those who need it most.

I Care San Antonio is a faith-based medical nonprofit devoted to providing comprehensive eye care to underserved individuals and families throughout the San Antonio area. Thanks to the dedication of more than 40 volunteer optometrists, ophthalmologists, and vision care professionals, the I Care team offers medical, optical, and surgical services that restore not only sight—but dignity and hope.

Before joining I Care, Megan served in executive roles at organizations such as Extra Table in Hattiesburg, MS and The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, where she led transformative fundraising and donor engagement initiatives. Under her leadership, multimillion-dollar campaigns exceeded their goals ahead of schedule, and enduring donor relationships were built from the ground up.

A firm believer in the power of creativity, communication, and connection, Megan holds a B.A. in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Memphis, an M.S. in Public Relations from The University of Southern Mississippi, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development.

New to San Antonio, Megan and her husband, Phillip, have embraced the city with open arms—along with their energetic crew of dachshunds. They’re the proud parents of two grown children, Phillip Jr. and Kayla, and adore spending time with their grandchildren, Derek and Calvin.

Recognized with accolades like the Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Under 40 and the One Coast Top 10 Under 40, Megan’s leadership is already shaping a bright future for I Care San Antonio.

“What drew me to I Care is not just the mission—it’s the heart behind it,” Megan says. “We don’t just restore sight; we help people see what’s possible again.”

To learn more about how I Care San Antonio is transforming lives through compassionate vision care, visit icarevision.org.

A firm believer in the power of creativity, communication, and connection, Megan holds a B.A. in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Memphis, an M.S. in Public Relations from The University of Southern Mississippi, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development.

New to San Antonio, Megan and her husband, Phillip, have embraced the city with open arms—along with their energetic crew of dachshunds. They’re the proud parents of two grown children, Phillip Jr. and Kayla, and adore spending time with their grandchildren, Derek and Calvin.

Recognized with accolades like the Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Under 40 and the One Coast Top 10 Under 40, Megan’s leadership is already shaping a bright future for I Care San Antonio.

“What drew me to I Care is not just the mission—it’s the heart behind it,” Megan says. “We don’t just restore sight; we help people see what’s possible again.”

To learn more about how I Care San Antonio is transforming lives through compassionate vision care, visit icarevision.org.

Denise E. Bennett
Consultant

As a specialized writer of grants, policies, procedures and well-told stories, Denise’s career spans more than 35 years of for-profit and nonprofit experience in the medical, banking and social services professions. Her financial acuity and love of writing led her to a successful career in grant writing and nonprofit fundraising. Denise has significant experience in fund development, grant writing and management, as well as operations oversight for a variety of nonprofit organizations. An achievement-focused innovator, she is a strong collaborator and strategic thinker, able to resolve workplace challenges. Denise is a graduate of Belmont University and has an MBA from Keller School of Management.

M. Leslie Palmer
Founding Principal | Managing Consultant

With decades of for-profit and nonprofit experience, Leslie shares her expertise and partners with other strong practitioners to help grow the capacity and success of the nonprofit community. Leslie brings practical experience to clients, having served on numerous boards of nonprofit organizations. Leslie has significant experiences on the other side of the table, as well, having worked in leadership and management for organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio, American Red Cross, City Year San Antonio and World Affairs Council of San Antonio. Leslie is a dedicated maven, leader, and perceptor who strives to embolden clients to achieve their goals. Originally from Newport, RI, Leslie is a graduate of Villanova University.