Senior Director; Chicago, IL

Innovative, community-focused, action-oriented leader with over 25 years of progressive experience in education, nonprofit sectors, and city government. 

Heather supports school districts and state education agencies with a focus on equitable resourcing, amplifying stakeholder voices, and empowering leaders. Heather’s work is grounded in deep district knowledge of and experience with and across systems and school types including early childhood, K12, private, traditional public, and public charter schools. Heather has led a variety of outcome-focused projects, utilizing her aptitude for listening, engagement, and data and policy capabilities to co-design implementable solutions grounded in local context.

Heather brings significant expertise in the opportunities and challenges facing large urban school districts and their key local and state-level stakeholders, as well as a deep understanding of the powerful connection between strategic planning and budgeting. She is also skilled in grant development and implementation strategies, including braiding and blending funds, for maximum impact. Heather’s work includes:

• Gathering and analyzing robust and diverse stakeholder input and locally relevant data to inform and co-create needs-aligned state- and district-level policies and funding mechanisms that improve resource equity. 
• Leading statewide communities of practice to support successful district- and local-level implementation of state funding formulas, priorities, and policies.
• Supporting state and local education systems in near- and long-term continuous improvement to advance programmatic outcomes and increase access to and impact of services while reducing operational and administrative burdens.
• Designing, developing, and empowering teams to expertly deliver on the task at hand and support the personal and professional growth of the individuals.

Supported in part by a scholarship awarded by the local teachers’ association, Heather earned her bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education and holds a Master of Arts. Prior to moving into leadership roles outside of the classroom, Heather began her career as a high school teacher in Indiana. She believes the glass is always half full, cheers unapologetically for both the Cubs AND the Sox, and likes nothing better than reading outside on the deck with her two school-age kids.