Heidi is a seasoned leader of child welfare systems, with deep state-level experience as well as thought leadership and advocacy on the national and international stage. Most recently as CEO for First Place for Youth, Heidi directed all the strategy and planning for a national organization that provides housing, employment, education services and critical supports to transition-age foster youth. Also, Heidi focused the organization and the Board of Directors on developing outcomes related to Race, Equity and Inclusion.
Prior to CEO, Heidi was the Deputy Director of the National Association of Social Workers, directed the strategic design, development and enhancement of programs aimed at strengthening the social work profession for 650,000 social workers nationwide. As a Senior Policy Advisor at the Department of Health and Human Services in the Obama Administration, she provided national leadership for the administration overseeing comprehensive state and jurisdictional programs totaling $8B.
Previously, Heidi served as Deputy Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, managing a budget of close to $1B across seven regional offices. In this role, she helped to tackle the state’s extreme challenges in disproportionality.